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WEEKLY NEWS 1: Genetic Engineering Banned

On Tuesday, Northern California voters in Mendocino County passed a measure that bans raising genetically engineered plants and animals. The measure, which is the first of its kind in the nation, won by 56 percent to 44 percent. Legislation restricting biotechnology has been passed in other places, but none are as strong as Measure H in Mendocino County.

Biotech supporters lost Measure H even though they spent five times as much money campaigning as those who didn't support genetic engineering. “They had the money, we had the people,” said Els Cooperrider, who led the local ballot measure. Measure H supporters hope to step up efforts across the nation.

Organic farmers and wine makers strongly supported the measure, which does not prevent the sale of processed foods made with genetically modified ingredients. Supporters of the ban claim that genetically modified plants and animals carry health risks. Biotechnology industry supporters argue, however, that no negative side effects have been reported since first genetically engineered crops for human consumption were approved by the Food and Drug

Administration ten years ago. There are no genetically modified crops in Mendocino County but farmers hope to use the ban as a marketing tool, particularly in Europe where opposition to genetically engineered foods is strong.

--Written by Renee Clara

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