San Juan County residents in Washington State passed Initiative Measure No. 2012-4to ban the growth of genetically modified organisms. The initiative makes it illegal to "propagate, cultivate, raise or grow plants, animals and other organisms which have been genetically modified" in San Juan County.
The Initiative does still allow for the growth of hybrid organisms and GMOs to be grown by health care providers and researchers only, in secure and controlled environments. The Initiative effects local farmers, who were largely behind it's passing. The Initiative will not effect GMO products sold in local food stores.
Violators of the new law will be charged with a public nuisance and a fine for the first offense. A second violation will be considered a misdemeanor, and the third and subsequent violations will be a gross misdemeanor.
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