State Boards Ban Planting of Genetically Modified Rice

In the wake of the August 2006 contamination of the US rice supply by an unapproved variety of genetically modified rice, State Boards vote to ban the growing of genetically modified rice varieties.

In Arkansas, the Plant Board narrowly passed a ban on the planting of genetically modified "Clearfield 131." The engineered variety was developed by BASF to withstand the overspray of "Newpath" herbicide. Following its mission, the Plant Board believes that by prohibiting Clearfield 131, it is protecting the sale of Arkansas-grown rice for the world market.

Citing similar motives to those of the Arkansas Plant Board, the California Rice Commission voted to support a moratorium:

"...on the field testing of all genetically modified (GM) rice cultivars in the State of California for the 2007 crop, and for future crops, until such time as research protocol and safeguards are acceptable to the California Rice Commission."
- see Press Release

The California Rice Commission is a state organization established by the legislature to represent the California's rice industry including all rice growers and handlers who farm and process rice produced on approximately 500,000 acres annually. The Commission operates under the overview of the California Secretary of Agriculture to promote, maintain and enhance the rice industry.