London (14.11.05)
– It has become the habit in California for pressure groups in various
counties to mount initiatives aiming to “ban GM crops”. Some succeed
(Mendocino, Marin and Trinity – although in Trinity the proposal was
passed 3-1 by the County Supervisors “to protect Trinity's local economy
and environment”, not by the voters); others do not (Humboldt, Butte
and San Luis Obispo). Anti-biotechnology crusaders have also lobbied (in vain)
for outright bans in Hawaii and Vermont.
Just last week, the latest hotly-contested attempt – “Measure
M”, to ban GM crops for 10 years – was put to the vote in Sonoma
County which lies just to the west of Napa, one of the main wine-growing areas,
and itself a home of vineyards and redwoods.
Lots of money was spent in Sonoma by the two sides: estimates range up to
$850,000. The arguments waxed fast and furious, with the usual range of commercial
and political interests pressing for a vote in favour. But they were opposed
by important local and regional views: in editorials, both the Press-Democrat
(1) published locally, and the San Francisco Chronicle (2), the main
regional newspaper, came out clearly against the initiative.
In the event, so did the voters. Last Tuesday, the measure was overturned
by 56% to 44% (3), a clear and resounding defeat for those who want to stop
progress in its tracks and reserve the right of freedom of choice for themselves
while denying it to others.
Lex McCorvey, executive director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, which opposed
the measure, said the margin of victory was a "strong show of support
for local agriculture. To place our local farmers and ranchers at a competitive
disadvantage to their peers in our state would have been devastating"
(3).
Self-interest, however, is a strong motivation; the anti-GM campaigners will
be back another day in another place trying again to further their own preferences
in complete disregard for the views of others.
Sources:
1. No on M; Non-organic farmers shouldn't have to pay for this political
message. Press-Democrat (16.10.05) (http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051016/NEWS/510160393/1043/OPINION01)
2. Sowing fear. San Francisco Chronicle (3.11.05) (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/02/EDG9UFH1P01.DTL&hw=Chronicle+rejects+Measure&sn=001&sc=1000)
3. Voters reject Sonoma ban on genetically modified crops. Contra
Costa Times (9.11.05) (http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/13117309.htm)
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