Jackson County voters passed a ban on GMO crops last May. Now the courts will test the ordinance’s validity.
Two county farms that grow Roundup Ready alfalfa filed suit Tuesday asking a state court to overturn the voter-approved ban on genetically modified crops or force the county to pay a total of $4.2 million, which they claim is the value of the crop they would have to destroy.
Once the alfalfa plants are established, hay can be harvested from them for up to 10 years, the suit says.
Backed by a coalition of farming, agriculture and biotechnology organizations, Schulz Family Farms LLC of Gold Hill and James and Marilyn Frink and their family trust have filed suit in Jackson County Circuit Court.
“We’re seeking for the court to find the ban is in violation of state law,” said Shannon Armstrong, an attorney with Portland law firm Markowitz Herbold PC.
The 34-page complaint claims the ordinance, which goes into effect June 6, 2015, conflicts with Oregon’s Right to Farm Act and will require farmers to destroy previously planted commercial crops.
Read the full, original article: Farmers file suit over GMO crop ban
