HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-200 Letter - Jackson Cty - GMO Ban CITY OF
ASHLAND
September 5, 2012
Jackson County Board of Commissioners
10 South Oakdale, Room 214
Medford, Oregon 97501
RE: Genetically Engineered Crops
Dear Commissioners Rachor, Skundrick, and Smith,
The People of the Ashland, Oregon, desiring to protect their agricultural industry, natural
environment, private property rights of its citizens, and the health, safety and welfare of its
people, deem it advisable and appropriate to restrict the propagation, raising, cultivation or
growing of genetically engineered (GE) crops in Jackson County.
• Genetically engineered crops are being developed with precipitous speed, and have been
introduced into the marketplace before the potential risks and long-term effects of these
products have been adequately studied.
• Many companies, local businesses and foreign markets do not accept genetically
engineered food products, so the danger of contaminating and thereby reducing the value
of neighboring crops via wind and insect borne gene drift from genetically engineered
crops creates a serious economic threat to farmers and ranchers.
• The impact on our natural environment from genetically engineered crops and
contamination from such is unpredictable, ultimately uncontrollable, and has received
inadequate study. ,
For all of these reasons, the propagation, cultivation, raising, or growing of genetically
engineered crops in Jackson County should not be allowed.
The Ashland City Council respectfully requests that the Jackson County Commissioners take
what action they deem necessary to protect organic farming in Jackson County.
Sincerely,
be"Mayo
cc: Council
City Administrator
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Tel:541488-6002 .�',
20 East Main street Fax:541-488-5311
Ashland,Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 /r
w .ashland.or.us
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