2001 Montana Legislature

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6

INTRODUCED BY B. WADDILL



A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THAT STAFF OR AN APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE IMPACTS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED WHEAT ON MONTANA'S ECONOMY, ANY LIABILITY THAT MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED WHEAT, THE ECONOMIC, LEGAL, AND AGRONOMIC EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENTS, AND THE USE OF PRODUCTION AND HANDLING SEGREGATION EQUIPMENT AND REQUIRING STAFF OR THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE TO REPORT ON FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.



     WHEREAS, genetically modified organisms pose risks of unknown dimensions to the state's economy and agricultural industry; and

     WHEREAS, planting of genetically engineered crops and the production of products derived from genetically modified organisms over the past several years has far outpaced the understanding of their immediate and long-term economic effects; and

     WHEREAS, recent market pressures have put people planting genetically modified crops at risk of losing large sums of money due to the loss of markets in countries restricting imports of genetically modified organisms; and

     WHEREAS, people planting genetically modified crops may also be liable for the damage they may cause to neighbors' fields that are planted with nongenetically modified organisms or that are organically farmed; and

     WHEREAS, the exchange of genetic material between genetically modified crops and conventional crops and native plants is known to occur and any adverse characteristics that the genetically modified organism may transfer or promote can be irrevocably dispersed in a larger environment; and

     WHEREAS, potential hazards of producing genetically modified crops may include the development of insects and weeds resistant to pesticides, the injury or death of nontarget species, crop loss from seeds that do not yield as expected or that produce crops with unexpected characteristics, and allerginicity, toxicity, or decreased nutritional value of genetically modified crops.



NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to study genetically modified wheat:

     (1) with respect to the impacts on Montana's economy and wheat market, including but not limited to the goals of:

     (a) determining the costs and benefits associated with the production of genetically modified wheat in Montana;

     (b) determining the level of market acceptance or rejection of genetically modified wheat and food products which are derived from genetically modified wheat; and

     (c) determining the type of impact the production and sale of genetically modified wheat poses to the markets that are available to Montana wheat producers;

     (2) with respect to potential liability, including but not limited to the goals of:

     (a) determining if there are liability issues associated with the seeding, growing, and harvesting of genetically modified wheat; and

     (b) determining if there are liability issues associated with the marketing, sale, and handling of genetically modified wheat;

     (3) to determine the economic, legal, and agronomic effects that technology agreements may have on Montana's wheat industry;

     (4) to determine the viability of wheat production and handling segregation technology and determine the impacts that this segregation technology may have on Montana's wheat industry; and

     (5) to determine the need for and potential benefit of revising the laws related to genetically modified organisms.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the entity conducting the study:

     (1) invite participation by and involvement of interested and knowledgeable persons, including farmers, ranchers, property owners, industry representatives, representatives of environmental organizations, and representatives of state and local governmental entities; and

     (2) actively seek participation by citizens from all parts of Montana.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2002.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 58th Legislature.

- END -




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