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GOLDSTREAM Friday, November 30, 2012
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Let there be light Langford Lt. Paul Obersteller and firefighter Mike Gordon hang a junction box in the large tree at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday gearing up for Langford’s light up Saturday night. The lights go on at 7:30 p.m. Charla Huber/News staff
Metchosin bans genetically modified growing Charla Huber News staff
Fermenting seeds covered in goo that once resembled ripe tomatoes and firm cucumbers sit on the window sill of Dieter Eisenhawer’s Metchosin farm house. For more than two decades Eisenhawer has been growing up to 40 different organic fruits and vegetables on his two-acre farm on Happy Valley Road. At the end of each season, Eisenhawer starts his seed saving
process that varies between vegetables including fermenting and drying processes. No matter how hard Eisenhawer works to keep his organic farm wholesome and true to its name, anyone growing genetically modified organisms nearby could taint his organic legacy. On Monday, the District of Metchosin banned the growing of all GM0s, causing Eisenhawer to sigh in relief. “This is largely a symbolic measure,” said Coun. Moralea Milne. “We are not going to
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check seeds or plants.” The motion passed bans all GMO plants included vegetables, fruits and herbs in the district. It stemmed from an agricultural advisory committee recommendation. The only councillor who did not support the motion was Larry Tremblay. “I don’t think that we can enforce it because of cross-pollenation. There are too many small properties to have a truly organic farm,” Tremblay said. “I am concerned of the liability.”
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If a certified organic farm is cross-pollentated with neighbouring GMO pollen, the certified organic farm would lose its status. “If you are growing a heritage seed and your neighbour has GMO produce that spreads pollen to your seeds, then your seeds are totally unusable for heritage seeds,” Eisenhawer explains. PLEASE SEE: GMOs an organic concern, Page A3
Locally Grown & Freshly Cut Trees Open Nov. 30 - Dec. 24 • 7 days a week Mon-Sat 9am-6pm & Sun 10am-4pm Buy the Yard: 4050 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin Call: 250.478.7221 www.btygravelmart.ca