Big Island Rainbow papaya farmers may have to tear out their trees within 30 months, or face fines and jail time, if a bill making the rounds on the Big Island is enacted
The law, which is expected to be submitted to the Hawaii County Council by council member Brenda Ford, proposes fines of up to $1,000 per day and 30 days in jail for farmers or landowners who are growing genetically modified crops.
The bill — which bans genetically modified animals and feed, in addition to crops — is the latest volley in Hawaii’s heated debate and legal battles over GMOs. The prohibition of new GMO crops would take effect immediately.
The bill is already spurring protests from some local farmers and other supporters of GMO crops.
Read the full, original story here: “Bill on Big Island Could Ban Rainbow Papayas”
Additional Resources:
- “Anti-biotech activists would the let Hawaiian papaya go the way of the Dodo,” Genetic Literacy Project
- “Suppressing Technology Will Not Feed Hawaii or the World,” Truth About Trade & Technology
