To: Board of Supervisors
From: Board of Supervisors
Meeting Date: February 5, 2019
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Department Contact: |
John Haschak |
Phone: |
463-4441 |
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Department Contact: |
Ted Williams |
Phone: |
463-4441 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 30 min |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Direction to Staff Regarding the Development of an Ordinance or Ordinance Amendments Prohibiting the Cultivation, Processing or Manufacturing of Cannabis or Cannabis Products Using Genetic Engineering Techniques
(Sponsors: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Provide direction to staff to develop a new Ordinance or Ordinance amendments prohibiting the cultivation, processing or manufacturing of cannabis or cannabis products using genetic engineering techniques and present said ordinance to the Board at a future meeting date for discussion and consideration.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
In March 2004, Measure H-2004 - which was to protect the County's agriculture, environment, economy, and private property from genetic pollution by genetically modified organisms, passed by the people of Mendocino County. This Measure was codified as Chapter 10A.15 - Prohibition on the Propagation, Cultivation, Raising and Growing of Genetically Modified Organisms in Mendocino County. Further, on April 4, 2004, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 04-043 urging the Federal Government to require truth in source-labeling for foodstuffs containing GMOs produced in the United States of America and on June 15, 2004, adopted Resolution No. 04-102 urging the Federal Government to institute a moratorium on the planting in the environment of new genetically engineered crops.
Summary of Request:
There are many concerns that the existing GMO ban adopted by passage of Measure H might not cover new genetic modification technologies. Proposed is giving direction to legal counsel to draft language to present to the Board of Supervisors to update the intent of the GMO ban, particularly in regards to cannabis, and ensure that the ban can be legally enforced. The will of the people of Mendocino County is to have an effective ban on GMOs. Cannabis farmers have developed strains that are unique and highly esteemed throughout the world for their purity and naturalness. Allowing any kind of genetically modified/altered/manipulated cannabis either in cultivation or manufacturing would put the quality of Mendocino cannabis at risk.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Provide alternative direction.
Supervisorial District: All
vote requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: <https://library.municode.com/ca/mendocino_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MECOCO_TIT10AAG_CH10A.15PRPRCURAGRGEMOORMECO>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: n/a |
budgeted in current f/y: N/A |
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current f/y cost: n/a |
if no, please describe: |
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annual recurring cost: n/a |
revenue agreement: N/A |
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budget clarification: n/a |
Agreement/Resolution/Ordinance Approved by County Counsel: N/A
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CEO Liaison: Janelle Rau, Deputy CEO |
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CEO Review: Yes |
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CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Meribeth Dermond, Deputy Clerk II |
Final Status:Approved |
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Date: February 6, 2019 |
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