UKIAH, California - Voters in Mendocino County have approved the first ban in the United States on the raising and keeping of genetically engineered crops or animals.

The electoral verdict is a big black eye for the biotechnology industry, which spent more than $500000 (about R3,4million) to defeat the measure in a county of 47000 registered voters.

"They had the money, we had the people," said Els Cooperrider, who led the local ballot measure.

With 97percent of precincts reporting, Measure H had support on Tuesday from 56percent of voters in the northern county, known for its wineries.

Opponents of the measure could not be immediately reached for comment.

Their campaign headquarters here was vacant with a "for lease" sign on it.

Led by organic vintners and farmers, backers of the ban raised and spent close to $100000 (about R680000).

The ban will have little direct effect inside Mendocino County, since genetically modified crops are not known to be raised in the area.

But Mendocino County's organic growers said they would use the law as a marketing tool, especially in Europe, where opposition to genetically engineered foods is fierce.

The victory is also expected to embolden similar movements in neighbouring counties as well as elsewhere in the county.

The biotechnology industry may file a lawsuit trying to overturn the new law.

The industry argued that biotechnology regulation should be left to the federal government. - Sapa-AP