The proposed ordinance has been supported by a broad spectrum of Trinity residents, including farmers, businesses, home gardeners, nurseries, social workers, students, church people, teachers, environmentalists, government employees, and investment, computer, and health professionals.

"Today's vote is in keeping with the tradition in Trinity County over 25 years of passing ordinances to protect the well being of its citizens," said Susan Bower, local farmer and ban proponent.

"Trinity's vote for a sustainable and sound agriculture economy is an important first step in reclaiming control of our food supply, "said Doug Mosel, GMO Free Mendocino coordinator and spokesperson for the BioDemocracy Alliance. "This sends a clear message that local, safe production is the responsibility of all."

Trinity County's decision reflects a growing movement across America to phase-out genetic engineering and to defend local agriculture, biodiversity and human health. Four other California counties will vote in November to ban genetically engineered crops (Marin, Butte, Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo), while activists in dozens of counties across the country are beginning to organize to create "GE Free" Zones.

"BioDemocracy is spreading throughout the California and the United States," said Ronnie Cummins, director of the Organic Consumers Association, a national network of 500,000 organic consumers and spokesperson for the BioDemocracy Alliance. "In light of the lack of regulation at both the federal and state levels of these increasingly controversial GE crops, Trinity's Supervisors have taken an important step to protect their communities."

Trinity County's ban goes into effect 30 days from its passage.

Contact information for Trinity County representatives:

Drew Franklin: 530-623-2656

Joseph Bower: 530-628-5004

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