Coalition for Responsible Agriculture

Exciting New Development!

The Coalition for Responsible Agriculture working group that made such a valiant effort to restrict plantings of genetically engineered glyphosate-resistant (AKA "RoundUp Ready") alfalfa in Lake County in 2005, and failed by the narrowest of margins, has been working on a far more comprehensive ordinance that would ban the local cultivation of all genetically modified organisms and make Lake County a GE-free zone. If you favor this objective, please give us your personal endorsement. To see a list of current endorsers, click here.

The Board of Supervisors informational workshop held on May 6 really was very instructive, less for the "expert" testimony and accompanying powerpoint presentation, than for the expression of widely divergent views within the community. See the Lake County News account for details.

What next? Several members of the board expressed their desire to learn more about the issue from all perspectives, and until they have had an opportunity to inform themselves further action doesn't seem very likely. After that, a draft ordinance might be presented for Board consideration, either directly or in the form of a ballot measure to be decided by a vote of the people. In the meantime, members of the community who feel strongly that protections against the cultivation of genetically engineered crops would be beneficial for Lake County can continue to help further that cause by discussing the issue with friends and neighbors and telling your supervisor what you think, in person, by calling 263-2368, or sending an email message.