Transgenic Contamination Prevention (GMO)

The Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance No. 6196R took effect in November 2016.  The purpose of the ordinance is to protect Sonoma County’s native plants, trees, and animals from transgenic contamination by genetically engineered organisms. Such organisms are also sometimes referred to as genetically modified organisms or GMOs.

The ordinance makes it unlawful for any person, partnership, corporation, firm, or entity of any kind to propagate, cultivate, raise, or grow genetically engineered organisms in the unincorporated portions of Sonoma County. 

To make a complaint of a known or suspected violation, please complete the Complaint Reporting Form.  The Complaint Reporting Form may be sent via email to sonomaag@sonoma-county.org or printed and mailed to the Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures at 133 Aviation Blvd., Suite 110, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1077.  Complaints may also be taken over the phone by calling (707) 565-2371.  All information required in the Complaint Reporting Form will be required to receive a telephone complaint.  Complaints without the required information will not be accepted. 

The complainant's contact information may remain confidential and not available as public record.  Please check the box on the Complaint Reporting Form to remain confidential, or let the biologist know that you would like to remain confidential when filing a complaint over the phone. 

Please contact the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures at (707) 565-2371 with any questions.

Related Documents:

Complaint Reporting Form (PDF:269 kB)

Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance No. 6196R (PDF:383 kB)

Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance 2017 Annual Report (PDF:349 kB)