By April Charlton
Almost a year after being directed to look into developing a
notification system for genetically engineered crops in San Luis Obispo
County, Agricultural Commissioner Bob Lilley and others are still working on
the task.
Lilley told the County Health Commission Monday that work has been
progressing on development of a notification system, but many issues still
exist, such as who would be notified and how.

?What's still unresolved is whether the system would be voluntary or
regulatory and who should be notified,? Lilley said, adding that the county
generally isn't notified when genetically engineered crops are planted.

That makes developing a comprehensive notification system somewhat
difficult, he said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn't require growers who use
genetically engineered seeds to notify any agencies or the public when they
plant or harvest their crops.

They also can produce and sell genetically engineered crops under the
USDA's permit-and-release program, Lilley said.

Because of the permit-and-release system, ?notification isn't
possible,? Lilley added. ?That would be a voluntary effort.?

Additionally, sites where genetically engineered crops are being grown
under an experimental use permit issued by the USDA are kept confidential,
Lilley said.

However, recent court rulings on lawsuits filed against the USDA and
its handling of genetically engineered crops like Roundup Ready alfalfa
could change the rules and regulations for genetically engineered seeds and
crops.

New regulation proposals, stemming from the recent court rulings, that
USDA may have to follow in the future are scheduled to be unveiled Thursday
at UC Davis.

A big concern with genetically engineered crops, sometimes referred to
as GE crops, is their potential to contaminate other crops, including those
grown organically, through cross-pollination.

Because of USDA regulations, it's unknown exactly how many genetically
engineered crops are being grown in the county, but it is known that
genetically engineered corn is grown on at least two sites - Cal Poly and
Avila Valley Barn.

Cal Poly also grows about 8 acres of Roundup Ready alfalfa.

Last August, many local organic growers and concerned residents
pressured the Board of Supervisors to adopt a ban on growing genetically
engineered crops in the county.

However, the supervisors opted to direct Lilley to look at developing
a notification system instead of banning the crops.



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