The following is an edited excerpt.
Genetic engineering opponents turned out in force Tuesday before the Hawaii County Council to support a bill that could determine the future of agriculture on the Big Island.
The bill would prevent farmers from planting any genetically modified crops not already grown on the island, and has gained enthusiastic support from critics of the biotech industry.
“I don’t want my kids eating it. I don’t want it in our Hawaii,” said Monique Cobb-Adams, speaking from Waimea.
“I think this type of frankenscience doesn’t belong here.”
More than 100 people from across the island signed up to speak before the council’s Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit. A large majority spoke in favor of the bill, which will be discussed again at the committee’s May 29 meeting.
Much of the criticism focused on the biotech companies that have set up farms in every other county in the state to grow seed.
Read the original article in its entirety here: GMO critics fight for ban
