You promised a task force to study the coexistence of GMO's with Oregon's organic industry. We want at least one organic farmer on your task force, and the people's choice is Frank Morton - organic farmer and seed producer.
Why is this important?
The organic food industry is expected to grow by 12% between 2010-2014, according to the US Organic Food Market Analysis. And the part that Oregon plays, including its unique organic vegetable seed industry, is vital to the industry. That's why organic farmers are alarmed about genetic drift from GMO seed crops such as sugar beets, and the inevitable increase in herbicides, blights, diseases and degradation of the soil that GMO farming brings.
In the “Grand Bargain” last October, Oregon's Governor Kitzhaber forced lawmakers to rescind an earlier vote, which rejected the Oregon Monsanto Protection Act. As a consolation, he promised he'd select a task force to study the problem of GMO's vs. the organic food/seed industry. We want at least one member of this task force to be an organic farmer. Frank Morton is the people's choice.
Frank Morton, organic farmer (Shoulder to Shoulder Farm), organic seed producer (wildgardenseed.com), and board member of the Organic Seed Alliance (seedalliance.org), has authored dozens of articles on the subjects of seed propagation, GMO's, seed patents, canola and other subjects pertaining to Oregon's diverse agricultural landscape. Oregon Department of Agriculture director Katy Coba has stated that the state doesn't have the expertise to address GMO's. You need an expert on your panel who recognizes the organic food industry. Please include Frank Morton on your panel.
