Huffman's genetic
engineering bill becomes law
Richard Halstead
Marin Independent Journal –
Article Launched: 09/29/2008 05:51:10 PM PDT
A bill by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, that makes manufacturers of genetically engineered
crops liable for contamination of surrounding fields, was signed into law by
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last weekend.
Huffman said the law will discourage the practice of biotech
companies sampling crops without permission from farmers. He said it will also
protect farmers who become the target of frivolous lawsuits from companies that
intimidate and harass those who have not been able to prevent the drift of
genetically engineered pollen or seed onto their property.
"We think this represents a move in the right
direction," said Renata Brillinger,
director of the Genetic Engineering Policy Project.
marinij.com