SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8
INTRODUCED BY TESTER
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA RECOMMENDING THAT IN RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPONDING TO THE DESIRES AND NEEDS OF A MAJORITY OF MONTANA'S FOREIGN GRAIN CUSTOMERS, GENETICALLY ENGINEERED WHEAT OR BARLEY BE GROWN IN MONTANA ONLY WHEN THERE IS ACCEPTANCE OF THESE GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS BY A MAJORITY OF MONTANA'S FOREIGN MARKETS; RECOMMENDING THAT RESEARCH OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS SHOULD CONTINUE; AND ENCOURAGING REGULATORY AGENCIES TO RECOGNIZE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AS GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS ARE INTRODUCED.
WHEREAS, Montana's wheat and barley industry is a central and vital component of our state's economy; and
WHEREAS, Montana's export markets have recognized Montana wheat and barley to be among the finest in the world; and
WHEREAS, Montana has come to rely on these export customers to market a majority of Montana's grain to Pacific Rim countries; and
WHEREAS, a majority of these customers have not yet accepted genetically engineered grains; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes the importance of maintaining these foreign markets.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
(1) That the introduction of genetically engineered wheat and barley for commercial production must be carefully timed so that it occurs only when there is acceptance of these crops by Montana's major customers.
(2) That research should continue in:
(a) development of crops and crop characteristics that appeal to the needs of the customer;
(b) development of crops and crop characteristics that are economically beneficial to the producer;
(c) development of safeguards to reduce outcrossing of genetically engineered crops with nongenetically engineered crops and weeds; and
(d) development of systems to reduce potential mixing of genetically engineered crops with nongenetically engineered crops.
(3) That regulatory agencies are strongly encouraged to recognize the magnitude of the responsibility that they have in the proper release of genetically engineered crops and do everything in their power to safeguard Montana's ability to meet the needs of their grain customers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send a copy of this resolution to the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the United States Federal Drug Administration, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Agriculture, and the Montana Congressional Delegation.
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