Vermont Rejects State Biotech Ban
Vermont's Senate Farmer Protection Act defeated in House, preserving Vermont farmers' rights to plant biotech crops.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jan 5, 2006
Vermont House lawmakers defeated the Senate passed "Farmer Protection Act," a measure limiting Vermont farmers' ability to plant biotech crops.
"By rejecting strict liability language, the Vermont House has codified liability protection for Vermont's farmers that will allow them to continue to adopt new farming practices as they become available, and remain competitive with farmers across the nation" says Sean Darragh, Executive Vice President for Food and Agriculture of the Biotechnology Industry Organization.
BIO says the bill title is "deliberately confusing to well-meaning individuals." The organization that represents 1,100 biotechnology companies adds that there is no documented case of any farmer in Vermont suffering economic loss from biotech crops.
To the contrary, a study released in November by the National Center for Food and Agriculture Policy, found that by planting biotech corn varieties in 2004, Vermont farmers increased the state's food production by more than 2 million pounds, improved farm income by $152,000 and reduced pesticide use by 15,000 pounds.
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Tagged: farm, farming, pesticide
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