A recent ruling by a Federal Magistrate Judge in Hawaii invalidated an ordinance passed by Kauai County Hawaii that required companies to disclose their use of pesticides and genetically modified crops. The ordinance was opposed by multiple companies including Syngenta Seeds, DuPont Pioneer, Agrigenetics Inc., doing business as Dow AgroSciences, and BASF Plant Sciences. They sought a permanent injunction preventing the ordinance from taking effect because the proposed ordinance unfairly targeted their industry.
This recent court decision only adds to the ongoing battle related to the labeling and regulation of GMO crops. The state of Vermont recently became the first state to pass affirmative legislation mandating the labeling of products containing inputs derived from GMO crops. As this most recent action in Hawaii proves, the litigation related to the GMO labeling question is likely only just beginning. As state and local governments increasingly push for mandatory labeling laws, all while the federal government fails to provide clear guidance, the potential for additional litigation looms large.
For more information about Ag Law and GMO disclosure law, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.
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