It’s a sweeping triumph for the Initiative Measure 2012-4 with an initial tally of 5,183 votes.

The measure, proposed by organic farmers and others in San Juan County, makes it unlawful to propagate or grow plants or animals in San Juan County which have been genetically modified and provides for penalties and destruction of such organisms.

The measure gained an overwhelming 60.89 percent of the initial ballot tally versus 39.11 percent against.

In response to passage of the initiative organic grower and chicken rancher Marta Nielson from Orcas Island said, “I’m proud to live in a county that could see the immense benefit of passing this forward-thinking initiative.

Larry Soll, a molecular biologist from San Juan Island, was disappointed but not surprised the initiative passed.  He said, “The practical effect on San Juan Island is not large because the few plants that have been genetically modified are unlikely to be planted here. I think this is a misdirected initiative.”

As of this time 8,355 ballots have been counted.

Stay tuned for the final ballots counted Nov. 9 at 5 p.m.