November 3, 2004

By The Times-Standard

ARCATA -- Genetically modified crops may soon be banned in Arcata.

At its meeting tonight, the Arcata City Council will consider adopting an ordinance that would ban GMO crops in the city. The ordinance is based on one adopted in Trinity County.

If passed, the ordinance would make it unlawful to "sell, provide, propagate, cultivate, raise or grow" GMO crops in Arcata. GMO crops would be deemed a public nuisance, which would be punishable by accelerated fines for each day a crop remains.

At its last meeting, the City Council considered the issue of due process for those suspected of growing GMO crops, and also raised the question of what city department would be responsible for enforcing the law. It also discussed the possibility of an ordinance requiring the labeling of GMO foods in Arcata.

The City Council will meet at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 736 F St.

Source: www.timesstandard.com