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Please read the following article if you are interested in the status of
SB 777, removing local control on seed that could be harmful to the
environment. 
If you are aware of opportunities to interact with this decision please
send them to the list serve: 
[log in to unmask]  so that all who wish can participate and have
their opinion heard.
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Michigan House approves bill on genetically modified seeds
4/25/2006, 8:06 p.m. ET 
The Associated Press
 
 
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The state House passed legislation Tuesday that
aims to block local regulation of genetically modified crops but
includes an exception if the Michigan Commission of Agriculture signs
off on the regulation.
As approved by the Senate, the measure would have pre-empted local
governments from adopting ordinances that regulate or ban the planting
of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
But the House version, approved on a 74-32 vote by the
Republican-controlled chamber, would let governments ban seeds if they
find the seeds will hurt the environment or public health and the
bipartisan Commission of Agriculture agrees.
The state Agriculture Department also would have to hold a public
hearing and issue an opinion on whether environmental or public health
effects will occur.
The legislation now heads back to the GOP-controlled Senate.
Five California counties and cities have restricted farmers from growing
genetically modified crops since 2004. Fourteen states have since passed
laws barring similar measures, prodded by large seed companies and an
increasing number of farmers who plant genetically engineered products.
Republicans have said federal regulators are better equipped to regulate
GMOs than are local counties or townships, and they argued that
landowners should have the right to plant what scientists have
determined is safe, free from local interference.
But some Democrats have said GMOs threaten public health and organic
farmers, who worry about losing their "organic" certification because
genetically modified crops could contaminate their fields.
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The seed bill is Senate Bill 777.
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On the Net:
Michigan Legislature: http://www.legislature.mi.gov
<http://www.legislature.mi.gov>  
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or
redistributed.
(c) 2006 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.
 
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Specialist
C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems
CARRS Departent of Community, Agriclture, Recreation and Resource
Studies
303 Natural Resources Bldg
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1222
Phone: 517-353-3542
Cell: 517-282-3557
FAX 517-353-3834
E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]
 
Don't forget! A carrot a day may keep the doctor away but an ORGANIC
carrot a day, grown locally will taste good, support your farmer
neighbor AND may keep the doctor away!!!