The City of Richmond is poised to join a growing number of B.C. municipalities that oppose the cultivation of genetically modified crops and plants within their boundaries.
A resolution has been working its way through city hall since June 2010, when Arzeena Hamir of the Richmond Food Security Society and April Reeves of GE Free B.C. pitched councillors on proposed wording that would keep Richmond free of genetically engineered (GE) trees, plants and crops.
"We got a call a few days ago from city staff saying they are finally ready to write the report," said Hamir.
"It's been lost in the legal department for nearly two years, but the resolution is expected to come to council in May."
Richmond councillor Harold Steves said staff were struggling with the question of how to deal with several farmers in Richmond already growing GE corn.
Opponents say crops such as canola that are engineered to survive pesticide applications lead to excessive use of chemical weed controls.
If Richmond council passes a resolution opposing genetically engineered crops it would join a growing patchwork of B.C. municipal governments to have taken the step.
Powell River, Saltspring Island, Kaslo, Rossland and Nelson have already passed resolutions opposing the cultivation of genetically modified crops - often known as genetically modified organisms or GMOs - within their boundaries.
The Healthy Saanich Advisory Committee last year resolved to seek a ban on GE crops and directed District of Saanich staff to explore the issue.
Anti-GMO pitches have also been made in Campbell River and Comox, according to GE Free B.C. spokesman Tony Beck.
"We anticipate that Richmond will be the next to become a genetically engineered-free zone," he said.
