RDOS discusses ban on GMO

By JOHN MOORHOUSE/Penticton Herald Monday, October 24, 2011 
A proposal calling for a local ban on genetically modified organisms has been rejected by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.  Allan Patton, RDOS director for Area C (Oliver rural), had suggested the regional district designate itself as a GMO-free zone and wanted a moratorium on uncontained GMO research in the area. However, the idea was soundly rejected by an 8-4 vote among RDOS directors. Some directors opposed anything which might impact genetic research at the Pacific Agrifoods Research Centre in Summerland. Others wanted more information, including an opportunity to hear a representative from the pro-GMO side. Patton said in an interview afterwards, the idea for the ban came from a recent meeting in Osoyoos on genetically-engineered (GE) food crops. Some of the panellists explained how they had convinced local governments to establish a GE-free zone. Patton said he is concerned that allowing genetically modified fruit crops will have a negative impact on the local fruit industry. He noted his motion wouldn‘t have meant a ban on controlled research at PARC, only uncontained research which could see GE fruit grown outdoors. He pointed to the large number of organic orchards in the South Okanagan-Similkameen and how they could be negatively impacted by genetically engineered fruit grown nearby. Growers would lose their organic certification by any cross-pollination with GE fruit. “When you have a GE apple crop, you‘ve wiped out the organic industry,” he said. “Secondly, we are putting our markets at risk.” Patton said many markets don‘t want anything to do with genetically engineered apples. “When you‘ve got multi-nationals being in control of seed stock, then you‘ve got a reduction of genetic and biological diversity,” he added. “We should be going the other way.” While disappointed by the vote result, Patton said he remains hopeful the matter will come back at a later date. It was suggested the RDOS might invite experts on both sides of the issue to appear at a future meeting. “We left the door to being able to approach it once again, maybe with more information in hand. Whether that will change anything, I don‘t know.”