Oregon bill seeks to regulate GMO crops in the state

A State Representative in Oregon has introduced a bill that would designate areas for the growing of genetically engineered crops and require that GM crops outside of those areas to be destroyed.

Oregon State Rep. Peter Buckley, D-Ashland, introduced House Bill 2674, which would charge the Oregon Department of Agriculture with designating areas where GM crops could be grown and enforcing those areas.

In addition, House Bill 2675 was introduced that would require the state agriculture department to monitor the purchases and uses of GM seed and plants.

Buckley claims the bills are aimed at preventing cross-contamination between GM crops and non-GMO crops and creating conditions where they can co-exist.

The bill would take conflict resolution from neighbors and turn it over to a state agency, it was reported.

Opponents of the bills say they want to see the science that would support such measures.