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December Tueller of Ashland (left), Caroline White of Central Point, and Brand Schilling of Ashland protest genetically modified organisms on the steps of the Jackson County Courthouse last year.

(The Associated Press)

The national sugar beet industry, which has converted to genetically altered seeds, clearly has its attention focused on a ballot measure in southern Oregon's Jackson County that would prohibit the use of crops containing genetically modified organisms.

New financial disclosure reports show that three major Minnesota-based sugar-beet processors -- which are major suppliers to food and candy manufacturers -- have ponied up major contributions to the opposition campaign.

The Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative gave $20,000 to the campaign opposing Measure 15-119 on the May ballot while the American Crystal Sugar Co. and the Sidney Sugars each gave $10,000. The Oregon Farm Bureau is the largest contributor to the opposition campaign, donating $25,000.

In contrast, supporters don't show that they have raised any money, although they may simply have not reported their contributions yet.

The GMO has become increasingly contentious in recent years. Ballot measures to require labeling for foods containing genetically modified ingredients were narrowly defeated in California in 2012 and Washington in 2013, and it's possible a measure may be headed to the Oregon ballot in 2014.

The Jackson County measure was sparked in part by organic farmers who say they fear their crops can be contaminated by GMO seeds. The Jackson County Farm Bureau opposes the measure, saying it would be hard to regulate such a ban at the county level and that there is no evidence that GMO foods carry health risks.

The Oregon Legislature last year passed a bill that prevents other counties from enacting GMO crop bans.

-- Jeff Mapes