CULT: Genetically Manufactured Organisms (GMO) and GMO-Free legislation

I wanted to provide information on a topic that many perhaps have not thought
about or are unaware of.

I live in Mendocino County, Northern California. In the primary election last
Tues, about 56% of the voters passed a local Measure which "Prohibits the
propagation, cultivation, raising and growing of genetically modified
organisms (GMO's) in Mendocino County." Supporters claimed it protects the
environment and local agriculture. Those that were opposed to the local
ordinance didn't want government poking in their back yards, and were hopefull
some day that science would be able to save our Black Oaks from sudden oak
death, our large grape vineyards from Pierce's disease (spread by the
Sharpshooter beetle), treat certain animal diseases with scientific
advancements, and have biotech crops which require LESS pesticide use. (Or
like trying to develop Iris which are resistant to leaf spot or bores.)

Professors with Ph.D's from Stanford, the US Food and Drug Administration and
local agriculture was opposed to this measure, as I was, however, it passed.
(Our County is known as one of two Counties with the most grown Marijuana in
Calif. also) If ever anyone develops a RED bearded iris though genetic
modification, I will not be able to grow it legally in my yard. Two days after
this measure passed, the local Ag department began enforcement (they have to
by law) by restricting nurseries from bringing in Blue Carnations to sell to
the public because the are GMOs. I know there have been hybridizer's using
chemicals to modify genetics in several types of Iris; that's how we got
double chromosomes, I think, but I certainly wouldn't know which Named
Varieties might technically be considered GMOs. It is sickening to me that
someone would be able to tell me that I might have to destroy irises I now
grow or could unknowingly select to grow any year if they consider them GMO's,
and that I can be Fined for growing them. The measure allows the ag inspector
to enter private property without notice as any neighbor can file a
complaint.

I just thought this might be a topic of interest to discuss.
Kitty Loberg,
Region 14, Northern Calif.

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