A local ban on genetically modified crops and seeds in the city of Los Angeles doesn’t make sense, writes the LA Times editorial board, and not only because no GM crops are grown in the city. Spokesmen for the two councilmembers proposing the ban say it would protect small urban farmers from lawsuits from Monsanto in the case of seed drift, but the editors note that legislation already exists to protect farmers. Another justification for the ban is that GM crops are allegedly killing honeybees. This may be a valid argument, the editors write, if there were solid evidence. But the most recent research suggests that the disappearing honeybees are the result of many different issues, including parasites, pesticides and decreasing biodiversity. There are some rational concerns about GMOs that should be addressed, but a ban on GMOs in Los Angeles would not help in that effort, the editors write. “We look to elected leaders to disseminate facts, set priorities and make evidence-based policy, not add to uninformed public panic.”
Read the full, original story here: L.A.’s bid to target genetically engineered crops isn’t productive
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