While a tide of blue helped push Barack Obama into a second term, legalize gay marriage in three states, and green-light recreational marijuana use in a few others, not all election results were cause for Democratic swooning this week.
In California, voters rejected Proposition 37 — a ballot initiative that would have required mandatory labeling of foods that contain genetically-engineered ingredients. The measure, backed by organic farmers, natural food purveyors and people concerned with what they eat, was defeated by a margin of 53 to 47.
The victory for the No-on-37 supporters likely stemmed from their unrelenting media blitz in the state, such as the commercial above — it implies that the bill would financially burden farmers and result in higher food prices.
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I am looking forward to working with farmers, consumers, Sen. Baruth, Rep. Webb, and thousands of citizens across the state to pass this legislation. As the ad says, we have a right to know. The deceptive campaign by Monsanto and other GMO seed producing companies can not be allowed to win. At one point they were arguing that average monthly food bills would go up $9 a month! But the reality in Europe is that food prices budged a mere 1/10 of 1%. So unless you food bill is $9000 a month, your food bill will not go up $9 per month.
These companies have no morals as to how far they will go to manipulate public opinion to protect their profits. They are not interested in protecting the farmers, they are in control of the seed and the chemicals and want to profit as much as possible.
California must lead the way. Vermont can not be first. Brands and companies will cease doing business in the state.
Zuckerman does not care if consumers have choices, as long as they buy what he is selling. He would happily limit people tobuying only organic if he could get away wth it.
Sorry, Seven Days got it wrong. Monsanto NEVER threatened to sue Vermont. Lawyers who had worked for the Biological Industry Organization, said, when asked, that it is likely Vermont would be sued. This has been mis-reported in the press 100 times.
There is no document, video, recording or other verification that Monstanto ever made such a claim. – Sorry folks.
Not true. And it seems to me that it’s Monsanto who does not care if consumers have a choice to purchase unadulterated foods — to such an extent that they intend to crush everyone’s choice to buy anything but the genetically engineered, chemical laden foods grown with the patented GE seeds they are selling. Lets hope people continue to support organic farms like Dave and Rachel’s so we continue to have the choice to buy unadulterated, organic produce locally. And, thanks to all of the local farmers who work hard to bring us this food!
Regardless, I have spoken with some VT legislators and they are concerned enough about lawsuits to vote no on GMO labelling in VT. If Vermonters want GMOs labelled, folks need to make sure and contact their VT senators and representatives – and urge their friends to do so as well!
GMO Labeling is not a Democrat vs Republican, “liberal” vs “conservative issue as inferred in the first sentence of this article. This is an issue about individuals being able to take responsibility for their own health and well being versus big business and their government patsies telling us that they know best….people are too stupid to make decisions for themselves.
If you were to put any political label on this issue, it is rightly an Libertarian issue versus the statist Progressive/Democrat/Republican stance. Wake up people.
Urge them to pass something that will get Vermont sued, and lose, and pay millions of dollars in attorneys fees? On a wasted effort that stigmatizes certain food choices so the organic industry can get free publicity? No thanks.