GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have gained a great deal of attention in recent months as more consumers learn about them and companies determine whether to use them in products. GMOs are so controversial, Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill to determine if mediation will be used to settle GMO conflicts in the state. The bill now faces opposition after a period of time with no controversy.

House Bill 2509 would direct the Oregon Department of Agriculture to use mediation to settle conflicts focused on GMOs. The bill passed the House by an overwhelming margin, but now has enemies in the Senate.

The bill is the result of GMO critics concerned biotech farmers would be unwilling to agree to mediation. The bill is intended to help people who are worried about the effects of GMOs. Friends of Family Farmers participated in the creation of the bill and credited it for providing an incentive for mediation, but now opposes the bill. Originally, critics of GMOs hoped the bill would make public the number of biotech conflicts and would make it possible to reach compromises not an option in court.

What Changed?

GMO critics, including Friends of Family Farmers, are now asking the Senate to reject the bill because they believe farmers harmed by biotech cross-pollination should not be forced to participate in mediation. They want mediation to be a choice instead of a mandate for farmers. At the moment, if a farmer refuses mediation and loses his or her lawsuit, he or she is responsible for the opposing party’s legal fees. Friends of Family Farmers still sees value in mediation, but now opposes the bill because of the financial burden it could put on small farmers.