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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Grants Pass bans outdoor pot grows ... Robbers armed with sickle, wrench sentenced ... Cluster of tiny earthquakes makes terrain near Lakeview shudder ... Grants Pass bans outdoor pot grows ... Robbers armed with sickle, wrench sentenced ... Cluster of tiny earthquakes makes terrain near Lakeview shudder ... JACKSON COUNTY Coalition asks for defense of GMO ban Comment By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 5:21 PM By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 5:21 PM » Social News The Our Family Farms Coalition called on Jackson County commissioners to vigorously fight a lawsuit seeking to overturn a voter-approved ban on the growing of genetically modified crops in the county. A standing-room-only crowd of farmers and their supporters made the request Wednesday during a commission meeting. Two Jackson County farms that grow alfalfa genetically modified to withstand Roundup herbicide sued Jackson County on Nov. 18. They said county enforcement of a GMO ban county voters approved in May would force them to destroy crops worth $4.2 million without compensation. Opposing farmers from Our Family Farms Coalition — which spearheaded efforts to get the GMO ban passed by voters — said Jackson County would benefit economically from being known as a GMO-free growing area. "We have a brand that's worth protecting. Let's do it," Michael Framson of Medford told commissioners. Many countries have blocked imports of not only GMO crops, but conventional crops grown in regions that also have GMO crops. Farmers of conventional crops fear GMO crops will contaminate their plants through cross-pollination. Andrew Schwarz, an Applegate Valley farmer, said many young farmers are excited about the passage of the county GMO crop ban. They want to stay in the area and continue its agricultural heritage. "I ask you to stand behind this next generation of farmers," he said to commissioners. County officials said they could not comment on pending litigation. "We are here to listen, but there will be no response," Commissioner Don Skundrick told the crowd. Our Family Farms Coalition also asked the county to oppose any court injunction that would block the GMO ban from being enforced while the court case is pending. No injunction has been put in place in the case, which is still in its early phases in court, Jackson County Circuit Court records show. If a request for an injunction is filed on behalf of the GMO alfalfa farmers, Jackson County has the option of taking no stance on the request, arguing against it or agreeing to the request, said George Kimbrell, senior attorney with the national Center for Food Safety, which is aiding the farms coalition. "The county should defend vigorously the lawful ordinance the people of Jackson County passed this year and they shouldn't acquiesce to any injunction," Kimbrell said. The coalition wants to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit and help fight the plaintiffs. The coalition is raising money for the legal fight. The Earthwise Law Center and Center for Food Safety have agreed to represent the coalition. Kimbrell said the county GMO ban is a well-crafted law that is consistent with state and federal laws. The coalition said the local GMO alfalfa farmers are backed by giant biotechnology and chemical corporations that want to protect their ability to sell GMO seed and herbicides. The Portland-based law firm Markowitz Herbold PC is representing the GMO alfalfa farmers. It said the GMO ban violates Oregon's Right to Farm Act. The firm said Schulz Family Farms in Gold Hill has been family-farmed for four generations since 1935. It has nearly 200 customers who buy its GMO alfalfa, primarily to feed horses and goats. The law firm said Schulz Family Farms prefers the convenience and profitability of alfalfa engineered to withstand Roundup herbicide. If forced to tear out the GMO alfalfa, they would not be able to plant conventional alfalfa for four years, leading to a total economic loss of $2,205,000. The other GMO alfalfa farmer, 72-year-old James Frink, is growing the crop because it requires less money and labor. No other crop would be as profitable on his land, according to the law firm. He and his wife also would not be able to replant with conventional alfalfa for four years, leading to $2 million in losses, the law firm said. The Frinks would lose their entire customer base during the four years and would be too old to start over, forcing them to stop farming, the firm said. Staff reporter Vickie Aldous can be reached at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous .         By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 5:21 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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