Should genetically modified sugar beets be grown on open space land in Boulder, Colorado? That is the issue dominating the time of the Boulder County Board of Commissioners. Following a seven-hour meeting on Tuesday night the Commission agreed to delay any decision on whether or not the genetically modified organisms can be grown on open space land.According to Laura Snider’s story for the Daily Camera, Commissioner Ben Pearlman thought the time was not right to make a final decision. The commissioner wants a ‘“comprehensive look at what we want out of agriculture on our county’s open space land.”’ This past December six farmers sought permission to grow Roundup Ready sugar beets on the land the farmers lease from the county’s Parks and Open Space Department. Roundup Ready sugar beets have been modified by the agribusiness company Monsanto to resist the Roundup herbicide.
On Tuesday, the six farmers asked the commission to delay their decision. According to Jules Van Thuyne, Jr., one of the six farmers, ‘"We have never taken lightly the submittal of our petition . . . However, I don't think any of us thought for a second that this issue would become as emotionally charged as it has today."’
Snider reports that the commissioners voted in 2003 to allow genetically modified corn on open spaces, and now more than 1,500 acres of Roundup ready corn is being planted. However, in 2003 the commission also required any new genetically modified crops would need permission before being planted in the open spaces.
Despite time already spend studying genetically modified organism, the commission asked on Tuesday that the Open Space Department look at developing a broader policy to deal with genetically modified crops. Because of the current date on the calendar, many produces will not be able to wait out a decision. However, the big goal for Commissioner Toor is ‘“that we can give answers to the growers by the 2011 growing season . . . If we say no it's going to be important for them to understand that as far in advance as possible for them to have a real opportunity to work with the community and open space on alternatives.”’
To read the Daily Camera article click here.
Posted on: 08/26/09
