Finally, we have a bill to put a moratorium on growing genetically modified alfalfa in Oregon. Additionally, we have a second bill to stop all GMO food from being grown in Oregon (including Salmon). They will both be before the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. We need to have everyone contact their Oregon state representatives and ask them to support these bills. We need to let them know these bills are to protect our livelihood (if you are a dairy farmer or dairy processor) as well as our health. If you have any involvement in the dairy industry you need to tell your representative how the GMO alfalfa effects you financially as part of the organic or conventional dairy industry and why they need to support HB 3291 that places a moratorium on the growth of GMO alfalfa in Oregon. If you farm other organic or conventional items, let your representative know that HB 3292 is the most important bill to save your farm and livelihood. If you are a consumer of these foods, contact your representative and tell them you do not want to eat genetically modified foods or animals that have consumed them. Let them know you will be watching to see how they vote. Consider offering testimony. (See the phone number below.) You can find your Oregon State legislature representative here.
The
Bills in Brief
Bill to stop GMO alfalfa: HB
3291-This is a
moratorium on the raising of genetically engineered alfalfa.
-The
moratorium, which comes with a maximum fine of $25,000, is set to expire
January 2, 2019. (Gives us time to make it permanent. This is in case the other
bill does not get voted through.)
-Here
is the link if you need more information about the bill:
-Important
Contacts: Representative Buckley (Rep Buckley BuckleP@leg.state.or.us, 503-986-1405)
Bill to stop all GMO food from being grown in Oregon: HB
3292-Permanent
Prohibition on growing commodity containing genetically engineered material
unless commodity is incapable of reproducing or material is declared incapable
of damaging other commodities and, if for food, material has been declared safe
for consumption.
Makes violation subject to civil
penalty, not to exceed $10,000. Declares food containing genetically engineered
material to be adulterated unless material has been declared safe for
consumption. Makes violation subject to maximum of $2,500 fine, six months'
imprisonment, or both, and to civil penalty not exceeding $10,000. Prohibits
State Department of Fish and Wildlife from approving use of genetically
engineered salmon or trout stocks for crossbreeding with natural stocks.
Prohibits department from approving use of genetically engineered salmon or
trout stocks unless of type that has been declared safe for consumption.
Prohibits licensing of proposed salmon hatchery operation producing genetically
engineered salmon if proposed operation lacks substantial protections against
genetically engineered salmon breeding with natural salmon or if genetically
engineered salmon have not been declared safe for consumption. Requires
Director of Agriculture and appointee of Director of Oregon Health Authority to
recommend rejection of application for biopharm permit if biopharm lacks
substantial protections against introducing genetically engineered material
into nearby agricultural or horticultural commodities. Requires taking
enforcement action against biopharm if biopharm endangers agricultural,
horticultural or forest production or endangers public health.
-Here
is the link for information about this bill:
Representative
Boone (BooneD@leg.state.or.us, 503-986-1432),
Representative Buckley (Rep Buckley BuckleP@leg.state.or.us, 503-986-1405)
And
if you would like to offer any testimony, please contact the committee’s administrator, Beth
Patrino (beth.patrino@state.or.us).
If
you need anything else, please contact:
Representative
Phil Barnhart: Phone: (503) 986-1411, Fax: (503) 986-1561, rep.philbarnhart@state.or.us
E-Mail: Rep.PhilBarnhart@state.or.usRepresentative
Boone (BooneD@leg.state.or.us, 503-986-1432),
Representative Buckley (Rep Buckley BuckleP@leg.state.or.us, 503-986-1405)
