San Juan County Genetically Modified Organisms Measure (November 2012)
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A San Juan County Genetically Modified Organisms initiative measure was on the November 6, 2012 election ballot in San Juan County, which is in Washington.
This measure resulted in the prohibition of the cultivation of crops, livestock and any other organisms that had genes intentionally modified in an unnatural way. It also provided for the punishment of violations of this prohibition as well as destruction of the genetically modified organisms.[1]
Election results
| San Juan County Amendment Prop. 4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
 Yes | 5,183 | 60.89% | ||
| No | 3,329 | 39.11% | ||
Election results from San Juan County, Current Election Results.
Text of measure
Language that was on the ballot read:
| “ | Initiative Measure No. 2012-4 concerns the growing of genetically modified organisms in San Juan County. This measure would make it unlawful to propagate, cultivate, raise or grow plants, animals and other organisms which have been genetically modified and provides penalties and destruction of such organisms.
Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes |
” |
Support
Ken Akopiantz and Bruce Gregory, both part of GMO-Free San Juans and supporters of the prohibition against genetically modified organisms, argued at the time that uncontaminated seed was becoming more difficult to produce and that the opportunity to preserve it should be taken. They also pointed out that no agencies, regulations or costs would be needed to enforce this new prohibition as it would use the already established legal system to deal with violations.[1]
Opposition
Larry Soll, Ph.D., and Roger Salquist, who were among those in opposition to the prohibition of genetically modified organisms, argued that the ban was unnecessary, as there had not been many instances of genetically modified organisms in the County.[1]
See also
Footnotes
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