Washington County Bans Growing of GMOs
While some anti-GMO legislation like Prop 37 was shot down through corporation-funded projects and deceptive campaign tactics, one county in Washington state was massively successful in establishing a landmark ruling against Monsanto and GMO crops as a whole. The concerned citizens of San Juan County were able to pass what is known as Initiative Measure No. 2012-4, which actually bans the growth of genetically modified organisms within the county.
And it doesn’t just affect traditional GMO crops.
According to the writing within the legislation, the Initiative actually protects against the growth and cultivation of any genetically modified organism — even animals which have been genetically modified. This specific wording is key when considering that the act of genetic modification is no longer specific to crops. While it is true that crops have been the major focus of GMO cultivation, with upwards of 90 plus percent of corn now reportedly being altered, new disturbing and outlandish biotech projects that twist the genetic coding of more advanced life are becoming much more frequent.
A recent example of such an ‘experiment’ involves the creation of genetically modified cows that actually produce human breast milk. Milk that is intended to feed human infants within the next 10 years or so if certain biotechnology proponents get their way.
I explain in a recent interview with Russia Today how Monsanto attempts to squash any anti-GMO legislation through deep political ties and financial power:
While the Initiative allows for ‘controlled’ use of GMOs by researchers and health care providers only in small and secured environments, it is a landmark in the fight against GMOs on a legislative level. While this Initiative may currently only affect San Juan County, similar Initiatives and propositions may spring up elsewhere in other states and counties. With over 90% of the public in favor of labeling GMOs, it should be no surprise that individuals are actively seeking answers on a political level.
It also shows that Monsanto and fellow mega corporations cannot wipe out each new piece of legislation that seeks to threaten profits in favor of consumer health. While the mega corps were successful in taking down Prop 37 through spending over $45 million in deceptive advertising, illegally using the FDA seal and fabricating a quote, and even posing as voter groups to trick voters into voting against the proposition, they simply cannot stomp out labeling or bans in every county or state nationwide.
As more and more people begin to realize the reality of GMO and how they can devastate both health and the environment, Monsanto will have a lot more to deal with than just a few pieces of legislation.
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Great victory against Monsanto corruption… nice report Anthony thank you.
Get work getting the word out and keeping our spirit's high here in California after the extremely disappointing loss last week of the pro-labeling proposition. It's hard to believe it lost, considering to be against labeling one must be in favor of not knowing what one is swallowing into one's body.
Reading this article cleared that up for me. It's the same old story. Corporation's with money use every trick (legal and as this article illustrates, illegal) to convince people to vote against their own interests.
We need more transparency now. What's there to hide, after all, Monsanto?
Something not mentioned here is that San Juan County is comprised entirely of islands, unlinked by bridges to the mainland. Year ago there were various seed crops grown there due to the fact there was little chance of cross pollination. Perhaps that can now be recalled. Congratulations to the people of San Juan County.
If its one county at a time so be it. Rumor has it that Monsanto or somebody they hired hacked into the voting machines.
This is great but they don't grow anything, so big deal.
The only thing grown there are private vegetable gardens,so this is not a major victory.I guarantee is this was a farming community,this would not have happened.
It IS a big deal for those of us who live here!
Bravo – many hands clapping. This is how it starts, and how we restore some semblance of sanity to the world. One person, one family, one county, one state at a time. Food is a great place to start.
Food Freedom!
Here in Southern Oregon, we are partnering with neighboring counties to create a "GMO Free Zone". Our branch of the movement turned in our petitions on January 2nd, 2013 in a well-attended rally. We turned in our petitions insuring we would be on the ballot in 2014. Oregon's Jackson County and Josephine County are home to many small organic farms who's livelihood is at stake. We are attacking this on all levels, getting the word out. We must each do our part. The many working together make a powerful and effective ONE. I am a songwriter and photographer. My song and photos of the rally may be seen on YouTube, free to share. http://youtu.be/LD8o-OyVRQA
Way to go GMO Free Oregon! Biotech is fighting a losing battle everywhere!
Around the world people are saying NO GMO!
There are many other options. Agroforestry/permaculture…alley cropping with green manure trees is THE WAY to go. Rows of Native trees planted in rows which are then pollarded at 4-5 feet high and used as mulch is THE way to gain many benefits with little labor–it is a carbon sink too. learn more at http://www.agroforestrydesign.net