update on HB 161

An update on HB 161 which was heard yesterday in Santa Fe. The bill was defeated in committee by a 5-4 vote. The opposition was present in full force. Lots of crying and tale telling of what harm GMO’s do to us and the environment. No attention was paid to science. According to the Committee members they had very few comments in support of the bill. So as it stands now, any county, Dona Ana, Chaves or San Juan could pass an ordinance banning the planting of GMO crops. All HB 161 did was to guarantee that a farmer on his land could make a choice of what he wanted to plant, organic, conventional or GMO. I lobbied hard as did the NMDA and the NM Farm Bureau but we were outnumbered. This bill would prevent any political subdivision in NM from out lawing GMO Crops. Supported by the NMDA and the NM Farm Bureau. If you agree please let our Legislators hear from you. We need phone calls and emails to the committee. It will be heard Tuesday morning. There are lots of folks lined up against this bill. Please call and pass to your customers. Read below. I am headed up there this week. The umbrella organization for our Industry, BIO, is engaged as is our Lobbyist and Governmental affairs folks but nothing like home grown people weighing in. Some of you will receive this in duplicate, I apologize for that. Regards Greg