Rule protects farmers from GE suits

[flashl]

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Legislature this week approved a major revision in the rules surrounding the use of genetically engineered crops in the state, changes that provide Maine’s organic farmers protection against lawsuits and require specific growing practices for GE crops.

In the past, it has been the department’s policy that GE crops do not differ, and are not to be treated separately, from conventional crops.

"The legislation is important in that it begins to clarify responsibility," Russell Libby, executive director of the Maine Organic Gardeners and Farmers Association said Wednesday. "By establishing Best Management Practices, this gets the Department and farmers into a conversation about how to solve problems before they arise. To me, that is a good step forward."

...

"Farmers on both sides of the biotech issue had input into the final bill," he said. "Both sides can claim victory. This is what Maine needs, solutions that work for all farmers."

Bangor Daily News

[kestrel91316]

1. The genetic material of GMO organisms is a biological pollutant

and should be treated as such.

[depakid]

2. Unfortunately, the law is subject to federal preemption

so, aside from protest value, it has little effect.

[DCKit]

3. It's a start, and one hell of an example for the other states to emulate. n/t