Update on SB1056 - August 2006

Well, there is little more than a week left of California's 2006 legislative session. For those of you seeking an update on SB1056, legislation that in the words of Jim Hightower is "stealing a fundamental right of our communities to protect our families' health and shape our own future," here is an update on the bill and ways you can assist in its defeat.

8/24/06:  Today the CA State Assembly voted in favor of SB1056 (46-19), legislation that removes local control of community food systems. No amendments were offered and the bill now heads to back to the Senate for review. Assemblymembers Berg, Hancock, Laird, Ruskin and Goldberg rose in opposition and we are grateful for their thoughtful support. Now is the time to contact your Senate representative and Senate pro Tem Don Perata (916) 651-4009; see below for details on "What You Can Do Now!"

SB1056, written to remove local authority of seeds and nursery stock, is headed to the Senate. The bill will likely go to a variety of Senate committees and if it reaches the floor, a majority of Senators must vote in favor of this bill in order for it to get to the Governor's desk where it would be signed into law. Without the Senate's majority vote in committee and/or on the floor, SB1056 dies.

SB1056 was initiated by the agribusiness industry in response to communities passing restrictions on the growing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, the passage of local moratoriums has been in response to a dearth of adequate state and federal regulations pertaining to GMOs, as well as an intrinsic conviction by farmers and communities to be able to shape their future.

In just the last week, there have been two reported incidences of contamination from GMOs. In trials, Roundup Ready grass engineered for use on golf courses moved off-site contaminating native grasses. And, an herbicide-resistant rice unapproved for human consumption has contaminated our rice supplies. In the latter instance, many countries, such as South Korea and Japan, have suspended importation of long grain rice from the US.

What You Can Do Now!

1. Contact Senate pro Tem, Don Perata, and encourage his opposition to SB1056. His office number in Sacramento is (916) 651-4009.

   Please let his office know you are also contacting your Senate representative, though as pro Tem you felt it necessary to contact his office as well. If you are a constituent of Perata's please make this clear. Ask that he oppose the bill even if it gets amended at the last minute.

2. Contact your Senator. State that you are a constituent and you request his opposition to SB1056. Ask that he/she oppose the bill even if it gets amended at the last minute. Please take a moment to contact your Senator's office in Sacramento and urge them to oppose SB1056!

For more information on SB1056, see:

• California Food Democracy
• SB1056 Talking Points

For information on the inadequacy of the regulatory structure concerning GMOs, see:

• Briefing Report: Deficiencies in Federal Regulatory Oversight of Genetically Engineered Crops

Thanks for your involvement!

Britt Bailey, Director
Environmental Commons