Legislators are continuing their debate this session on whether to ban or regulate the use of genetically engineered seeds in Vermont. Agriculture Secretary Steve Kerr told the House Agriculture Committee that he doesn’t think a ban would be constitutional.
He says the state can continue to ask companies to report the number and type of genetically engineered seeds sold in Vermont. But some lawmakers questioned whether the volunteer reporting would be accurate.
Kerr also proposed a voluntary system for farmers to minimize the movement of genetically engineered seeds or pollen to other crops. He says farmers who use the seeds should notify their neighbors, know the seeds they plant and use distance and barriers to separate crops.