The resolution at the RDOS Board Thursday was as follows:

THAT the RDOS investigate the establishment of a genetically engineering free zone for the production of edible horticulture products; AND FURTHER THAT research be conducted only in secure, contained environments. AND FURTHER, that the Board request that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency reject the current application for the Arctic Apple.

Based on that resolution, the Board of Directors will now begin to investigate the issue.

Director Allan Patton who brought the GMO Free Zone issue to the board says this morning he is pleased the RDOS will look into this matter as it has been requested by the BCFGA and farmers in the area are required by Okanagan Tree Fruits to ship only GMO free product. He says it is an economic issue not a scientific one. Patton hopes staff at RDOS can find an independent person to study the issue and report back. He says there is not a lot of middle ground – like so many issues.