Two people, actually. Although, I’m sure there are many more like them.
I’d like you to meet Bruce Schulz. He’s a fourth generation farmer in Oregon. Mr. Schulz’s family has a 250 acre farm. He dad grew up on the farm. His mom still lives on the farm in their family home. He currently grows alfalfa.
Why do I want you to meet these guys? Because they’re both farmers that will be hurt by the Jackson County, Oregon ban on GMOs.
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| Source: Oregon Live |
Mr. Schulz has GMO alfalfa that he will have to destroy at the end of the year. In a sane world, he would have gotten 5-8 more years out of that alfalfa field. He anticipates that he’ll lose 30% of his gross income next year as a result.
Mr. Frink has decided he’s not even going to bother. He plans on retiring, selling the farm, and moving out of state. He pointed out that GMO alfalfa can be treated with one pesticide at about $6 per acres, while non-GMO alfalfa requires three pesticides costing $75 per acre.
Less farmers, less food.
It breaks my heart to see these guys in this position. It makes me sick to know that this was promoted by people who have very little knowledge of agriculture. And it makes me mad that organic farmers -who have gotten away with negative marketing of conventional crops for years – supported this measure.
Keep up the good work of spreading the truth! From a young indiana farmer
I would like to thank all the farmers for all the hard work they have done to feed us. I am so sorry for these people that has no education telling how to do your job.
Thank you for adding this real world perspective to the unreal hyperbolic noise of the anti-GMO movement.
I work at an agriculture lab in eastern oregon. I can see this as effecting everyone in the ag industries. No farmers means we have no clients. That is not a good thing. Farmers are the most knowledgeable people I know and I am proud I get to work with them every day. I do work with organic and convential farmers and all kinds of crops. If the gmo movement keeps up by ignorant people it will be a sad day for all of us. I wish mr. Schultz and mr. Frink good luck.