A fundamental shift in farming practises is not a local mandate.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board will notify the Lumby-based Bee Safe that it will not produce a guide that helps farmers move from genetically modified organisms to what the group considers to be more sustainable agriculture.
“They’re asking us to perform a role traditionally performed by the Ministry of Agriculture – research and direct contact with farmers,” said director Bob Fleming.
“They are asking farmers to transition from one area to another and that’s not something we’re going to get into.”
It was pointed out that such a guide would also out-strip the regional district’s available resources.
“An outside group has asked the regional district to do something that has financial and expertise implications,” said director Shirley Fowler.
The RDNO board has also decided to write the Ministry of Agriculture and insist that it fulfill its responsibilities and address the request from Bee Safe.
“I take issue with the downloading from the ministry,” said director Juliette Cunningham. “There are growers asking for help and they are worried about GMOs.”
Director Mary-Jo O’Keefe also believes Bee Safe should pressure the ministry.
“They should know that they have to deal with the government. It’s not something this board can fund,” she said.
Bee Safe defends the need for a guide that promotes sustainable agriculture.
“We have been getting phone calls and e-mails asking us for sources of non-GMO seeds, for technical and legal help in getting out of contracts with GMO seed suppliers and for advice on crops that should be grown following GMO crops,” said Huguette Allen, spokesperson.
“We think that it is becoming urgent to develop a transition guide for GMO farmers.”
