James C. Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), released the following statement on yesterday's 55-44 vote in Sonoma County California to reject a proposed 10-year moratorium on biotechnology.

"By saying 'no' to Measure M, and 'yes' to biotechnology, Sonoma County and all citizens continue to have access to modern technology that is important to the health of people, pets, livestock and the environment. Sonoma County can continue to enjoy the same economic gains that biotechnology firms have brought to other California communities.

"In addition, farmers and ranchers can continue to benefit from agricultural biotechnology that has increased the state's food and fiber production by more than 10 million pounds and improved farm income by nearly $33 million per year. Sonoma's patients and pets will have the same access as their neighbors to the medical marvels that continue to evolve through the use of biotechnology."

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.