Protect California's organic farmers--Ask your state senator to support AB 541

AB 541 is close to becoming California's first state law protecting farmers from the hazards of genetically engineered crops. Having already passed the Assembly, it has cleared its Senate committees and is ready to be voted on by the full Senate in August. Please let your Senator know that you support this bill!

AB 541 will enact protections for California farmers against frivolous lawsuits that intimidate and harass those who have not been able to prevent the inevitable - the drift of GE pollen or seed. It will level the playing field for farmers accused by agricultural biotechnology companies and other patent holders of contract violations, and discourage the practice of biotech companies sampling crops without explicit permission from farmers and prosecuting based on unverifiable testing results.

Please write or call your Senator no later than August 11th. To get contact information for your representative, see LegInfo.Ca.Gov. Note that faxes or phone calls are much more effective than emails.

Please also forward this email alert to everyone you know in California to help gather support for the AB 541 support letter from organizations, businesses, and individuals.

AB 541 sample support letter

[date]

The Honorable [NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[FAX]

RE: AB 541 (Huffman) - SUPPORT

Dear [NAME]:

I am writing in support of AB 541.
[Describe your organization, company, or farm here if applicable].

Currently, California has no laws in place to address the issue of genetic engineering (GE), yet citizens across the state have expressed concerns about the risks the technology presents for farmers, consumers, the economy and the environment.

AB 541 is a good first step towards addressing the many issues related to genetic contamination caused by GE crops and seeds. This bill will enact protections for California farmers against frivolous lawsuits that intimidate and harass those who have not been able to prevent the inevitable drift of GE pollen or seeds. It will level the playing field for farmers accused by Monsanto and others of contract violations, and discourage their practice of sampling crops without explicit permission farmers and prosecuting based on unverifiable test results.

I urge you to consider this issue carefully, and vote to support AB 541. It will be a vote in favor of California farmers.

Sincerely,

[name, title, organization or business]