Last week, in response to a petition filed by Friends of Family Farmers, the Center for Food Safety and specialty seed growers, the Salem Court of Appeals granted a stay on Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) temporary rules that expanded the growing area for canola, including genetically engineered canola, in the Willamette Valley. The planting of canola in these newly unrestricted areas has been legally halted until a court hearing, likely to be set for the end of August.

Willamette Valley is the perfect environment for growing specialty brassica (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, etc) seeds. Canola is also a brassica, but spreads rampantly and cross pollinates with a lot of other brassicas, causing contamination and destruction of other seed crops. The Valley’s seed growers supply seed to companies around the world, especially those that grow non-GMO food. Oregon has prohibited the introduction of canola since 2009 due to the potential for transgenic contamination, the creation of resistant weed species, and the proliferation of disease and pests.

ODA still intends to move forward on permanent rules for expanding the allowed acreage for growing canola in three areas of the state, including the Willamette Valley. The public hearing for the permanent rules has been set for September 28, 2012.

Read More from the Friends of Family Farmers in Oregon

Press Release (PDF)