BISMARCK -- North Dakotans who want more answers before genetically altered wheat is allowed plan an initiated measure to create a “go slow” law.

If passed by voters, the measure would establish a conditional prohibition on the sale or planting of genetically modified wheat in the state. Research into such GMO wheat can continue, supporters said.

The Go Slow with GMO Committee said Friday it will seek to put the measure on the November general election ballot. It needs 12,844 signatures.

Measure supporters say that all of Europe and many other export markets have made it clear they will not buy GMO wheat.

Committee spokesman Jim Kusler, who farms organically at Beulah, said the proposal would require that before genetically modified wheat could be sold or planted, the state agriculture commissioner would have to convene a fact-finding committee of six independent experts and hold at least one public hearing. Some of the issues the committee would have to consider are whether GMO wheat can be kept segregated from nonmodified seed stocks and whether there is a national and international market for GMO wheat.

Fred Kirschenmann, who owns a 3,500-acre organic farm south of Medina, said North Dakota markets 80 percent of its wheat to Europe, most to Switzerland. If transgenic wheat is ever introduced into the state, they’ll quit buying his organic crops and any other wheat grown in North Dakota, he said.

Kirschenmann said it doesn’t matter whether Europeans’ decisions are scientific or nonscientific, the North Dakota market is harmed just the same.

Kirschenmann said an agricultural economist at Iowa State University estimates the selling price of all North Dakota wheat will drop 32 percent to 35 percent if GMO wheat is introduced.

Farm groups’ positions on the issue vary. Brian Kramer, a lobbyist for the North Dakota Farm Bureau, said his group has opposed bills in the Legislature seeking to ban GMO wheat.

Lance Hagen of the North Dakota Grain Growers said he looks forward to the debate on the issue. “We’ve made no progress on any of the questions before the Legislature.”

Organizers may take as long as a year to get the required signatures if they don’t get enough for the November ballot. It would then be voted on in a later election.

Readers can reach Forum reporter

Janell Cole at (701) 224-0830