The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has postponed a decision on becoming a genetically-engineered-crop-free zone.
In a report to the district board of directors, director Lara Beckett said declaring the regional district free from genetically-engineered crops would be a symbolic gesture - as regional districts don't have the authority to
enforce such a ban.
The Powell River Regional District, Salt Spring Island, City of Nelson, City of Rossland, Village of Kaslo and Village of New Denver have already made similar
declarations.
"Because of the complexity of the issue ... I'd like to refer this back to staff for more
information," Beckett said.
In her report, Beckett said genetically-engineered crops could represent a risk to local food security because there are only five to seven companies which produce the genetically modified seeds.
"Many genetically-modified crops are designed to be resistant to pesticide use, and are routinely sprayed so the plants can out compete other vegetation,"
Beckett wrote.
"The lack of independent research on potential health effects of [genetically-modified] foods; the restriction of markets, such as the European Union, to genetically modified products from flax to byproducts like honey; and the inability to control or contain pollen and seeds that risk contamination to the expanding organic movement are all contributing factors that support the declaration for our region to be a genetically-engineered-crop-free zone."
The district board voted unanimously to refer the issue to
district staff for more information.
