LANSING - The Michigan Senate signed off on legislation Thursday that aims to block local regulation of genetically modified crops.
The bill, which heads to Gov. Jennifer Granholm, would pre-empt local governments in Michigan from adopting ordinances that regulate or ban the planting of seeds, including genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
But it includes an exception allowing for local regulation if the bipartisan state Commission of Agriculture agrees the seeds will hurt the environment or public health.
If a local government tried to ban the planting of
Read moreThis week, the Vermont House and Senate passed a resurrected compromise bill allowing manufacturers of genetically engineered seeds to be liable for damages if their products drift into the fields of neighboring farmers. Last year, a slightly different bill was buried in the House.
This time, the legislation exempts corn and soybean seed manufacturers. It's headed to the desk of Governor Jim Douglas, who is expected to veto it.
The issue of who controls the use of genetically modified seed and plants has been intensely debated in Vermont for more than 1.5 years. But aside
Read moreMONTVILLE, Maine - Residents have voted to include a ban of genetically engineered seeds in the town's land use ordinances.
At their annual town meeting on Saturday, residents gave overwhelming approval to a resolution that declared that the town would commit to banning genetically modified organisms, or GMO's, and develop land-use ordinances to support the policy. The policy will be included in the town's comprehensive plan.
It is thought to be the first time that a Maine town has agreed to ban GMO's in its land use ordinances. Voters in Brooklin last year passed Read more
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - An ordinance from a sparsely populated northern California county has some Missouri lawmakers worried that local regulation of genetically modified crops could hamper agriculture's future in the state.
Mendocino County, Calif., banned all genetically modified crops and animals in March 2004, prompting activists to attempt to do the same in four other counties. They were successful in one.
Since then, 14 states have banned local regulation of the types of seeds farmers can use and another five - including Missouri - are considering bans.
for GE Free Zones