Longmont Times-Call (Colorado)
July 24, 2009 BOULDER — Boulder County should allow genetically modified sugar beets to be grown on county-owned farmland, the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee recommended Thursday night.
That panel’s position came on a 6-1 vote after a lengthy public hearing over the issue.
Testifying at the hearing were several of the six farmers who are seeking permission to plant Roundup Ready sugar beets, which already are grown in more than 90 percent of the nation’s beet fields.
Also testifying were opponents of any genetically modified crops as well as many organic farming advocates, who argued that more county land should be devoted to organic production.
A similar hearing is scheduled for next Thursday evening by the county’s Food and Agricultural Policy Committee. That panel’s recommendation — along with the one from the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee — is to be considered by Boulder County’s commissioners next month.