IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T HEARD, California could become the first state in America to achieve a GMO-labeling law. You see, nearly one million citizens there signed a petition to get Proposition 37 — the “Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act” — on the state’s November, 2012 ballot. Currently, 90% of Californians support the labeling of GE foods. But could that support change? Yes — if big money from Big Ag has any influence over voters:
As you can imagine, there will be a manure-storm in California between now and November. Anti-labeling activists (including Monsanto) will spend millions in an attempt to turn 90% support into 10% support. They might be successful, too. Hefty advertising campaigns can do wonders to change public opinion.
Already there is a group calling itself the Coalition Against Costly Food Labeling Proposition that’s been sending out press releases claiming gmo-labeling will cause food prices to soar.
Labeling food will cause prices to soar? What utter bunk! Back in 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, which was passed by congress, and signed into law by George H.W. Bush, mandated that most foods show a “Nutrition Facts” label as pictured above. If in fact the food manufacturers passed the cost of the new label onto consumers — and I don’t think they did — the impact at the supermarket was negligible. (I’ve been keenly aware of food prices since I started shopping for myself in 1979).
If you happen to live in California, I hope you’ll keep us posted on both the pro- and anti-labeling campaigns you’ve seen. Who’s buying the most air-time? (As if I needed to ask.)
It will be awhile before we know the outcome of Proposition 37. Still, I hope you’ll join me in saluting the 971,000 Californians who let their voices be heard, and who, as a result, will have a chance to vote on their Right to Know.
Would you like to see a similar initiative on your own state’s ballot? Let me know by leaving a comment.
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Jeanne Collins says
Thank you Kevin! I’m a volunteer for the right to know initiative here in California. We have an enormous uphill battle ahead of us against the deep pocket chemical companies such as Monsanto so any donations to our cause would be GREATLY appreciated!
Interested folks can donate here: https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=SkMZnsY63k0jhk1ZPFc5lTKrXssqeir%2f
Californians may join us here: http://www.carighttoknow.org/join
Folks in other parts of the country can join our boycott against Kellogs for using GMO’s in their products here: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-kellogg-company-stop-using-gmos-in-your-products
There are many many more ways to get involved, so please do! Our health is at stake.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Jeanne – Thanks for the links. I’m happy to help you fight “the good fight.”
John says
That’s great news! I hope big ag doesn’t sway public opinion away from the chance to FINALLY have gmo labeling SOMEPLACE in the U.S.
badger gardener says
When all the trees have been cut down,
When all the animals have been hunted,
When all the waters are polluted,
When the air is unsafe to breathe,
Only then will you discover you cannot eat money.
Cree prophecy. Sure they would have included “when all the seeds have been irreversibly altered” if they could have envisioned it.
badger gardener says
Something to keep in mind as we near Nov.in CA and across the nation, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, 80% of money raised by conservative super pacs comes from 100 people (NPR report). 100 people.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
John – I couldn’t agree with you more.
badger gardener – The Cree prophecy is…profound. The CPR statistics are utterly disturbing. And mind-boggling.
Noelle Imparato says
The right to know what food we are buying needs to become a National Right across the US.
Beverly says
Thank goodness someone is trying to break through the chemical companies’ monopoly. How do these chemical criminals sleep at night? Don’t any of them have kids or grandkids whose health is important to them?
We all have the right to know if our foods have been genetically altered. Organic Gardening Magazine often highlights similar issues, as does Mary Jane’s Farm magazine. The film “Queen of the Sun” chronicles the plight of bees worldwide, places blame where it belongs on dollar-worshipping chemical companies and raises concerns for the global food supply. There are scientists out there who are tirelessly bucking the trend and hopefully they will count California’s upcoming election in the win column.
Thanks Kevin for mentioning this issue. Every little bit of publicity helps.
Riversana says
Thank you Kevin for posting about this. It certainly didn’t show up in my local newspaper. Hang in there Californians! Be the first state to successfully demand accurate knowledge of your food!!
Debra P says
Kudos to us but that malarkey about soaring food costs will in fact be because of the drought not printing labels that are already being printed. What a bunch of BS its a type setter already doing the job so he/she has to fiddle with the words for a second on a big screen while settin in a chair….Big whoppie LOL God these people crack me up with their incessant whining….
Donna B. says
Raise prices? Really? Make xeroxed copies on cheap printer paper – we don’t care HOW it’s printed just as long as it’s THERE.
Ugh.
I know NJ will never be able to do something like this, it’s such a state of “convienence”… too many soccer moms and McMansions… Even though just a couple of miles away from me in Sussex county there is a plethora of preserved farmland and CSA’s and of the sort.
It’s such a backwards state.
And I can never understand politics… all of these secret funds, corrupt donations, and super pac’s… it’s all garbage. I keep myself proudly oblivious to all of it. I have enough stresses in my life… like harvesting that zuke before it reaches the size of a large baseball bat! >D