PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)—A proposed settlement has been reached in a federal lawsuit challenging Jackson County’s ban on genetically engineered crops.
Under the deal, the alfalfa farmers who sued agree to not appeal an earlier court ruling that upheld the voter-approved ban.
In exchange, the southwest Oregon county won’t force growers who already planted genetically engineered alfalfa to remove their crops.
Those farmers have agreed not to plant any more genetically engineered crops and to switch their fields out of that alfalfa after no more than eight years.
Jackson County commissioners and a federal court magistrate must approve Monday’s settlement.
The Legislature approved a bill two years ago that prohibits local governments from regulating genetically engineered crops. An exception was made for Jackson County because its measure had already qualified for the ballot.
Voters approved the measure by a wide margin in May 2014.
Source: www.capitalpress.com