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January 14, 2005: Napa Valley Grapegrowers
met yesterday to learn the advantages and disadvantages
to genetically modified grape plants. The group hopes
to make an informed decision before one is forced upon
them.
The fight over the cultivation of genetically modified
crops in California has grown contentious over the following
year. Three counties have already mounted successful
campaigns against gm-cultivation despite biotech firms
spending heavily to stop them. Now neighboring Sonoma
County has turned in signatures to force their own ballot
initiative on the subject.
While a decision in Napa does not appear imminent,
no ballot measure is expected soon and major genetic
advances, such as a vine immune to Pierce’s Disease,
are still years in the future, both sides are pushing
hard.
The pro-GM side argued a reduction in pesticide use
and farmers falling behind the technology curve. While
those against sited potential loss of markets.
“The French are going to go ballistic before
they allow a genetically modified cabernet sauvignon
to be called a cabernet sauvignon. And if you can’t
call a cabernet a cabernet, what are you going to call
it?” the Napa News quoted Dave Henson, director
of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, as saying.
For the full story go to: http://www.napanews.com/templates/index.cfm?template=story_full&id=801BF7F9-061B-4265-AB47-7818CAA35A3F
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