Mayor Billy Kenoi of Hawaii’s Big Island has signed Bill 113, a law designed to severely restrict the future planting of genetically modified crops. In addition, his administration will launch a year-long program to research and investigate factual claims and to seek out new directions that farming in the community should take. Mayor Kenoi released a letter saying “with this new ordinance, we are conveying that instead of global agribusiness corporations, we want to encourage and support community-based farming and ranching.” He writes that agriculture on Hawaii Island will continue to grow with “county assistance, investment and support” through initiatives and partnerships designed to boost sustainable farming practices.
“It is time to end the angry rhetoric and reach out to our neighbors,” Mayor Kenoi writes, “farmers are essential to creating a wholesome and sustainable food supply.”
Read the full, original story here: Mayor Kenoi signs anti-GMO bill
