GMO Labeling: more than a sticker!
By: Raven Castro
On November 6th California voters will make a decision that will drastically impact the agriculture industry. Proposition 37 will strike the ballot box. James Wheaton, the original maker of prop 37, calls it, “The California right to know genetically engineered food act.” Prop 37 will require labeling on raw and processed food that contains any genetically modified organisms.
Though, the proposition seems like simple “labeling” it does create a large fiscal impact. An estimated 1 million dollars will be spent on state regulation of GMO labeling. Prop 37 was created with the intent of allowing consumers to make informed buying decisions. Prop 37 does not put any stipulations on food that is genetically modified outside of labeling it. However, it does allow exemptions to the mandated labeling.
Exempt foods include, “certified organic; unintentionally produced with genetically engineered material; made from animals fed or injected with genetically engineered material but not genetically engineered themselves; processed with or containing only small amounts of genetically engineered ingredients; administered for treatment of medical conditions; sold for immediate consumption such as in a restaurant; or alcoholic beverages,” according to ballotpedia.com.
It should be no surprise that high dollar supporters of this measure include; Organic Consumers Fund, Amy’s Kitchen, Cliff Bar & Co., and Annie’s. Common ground? All organic. All exempt. Buying organic has become an epidemic in California over the last few years. Organically certified foods are seen as a healthier food supply for consumers. But what about the basics? Your everyday groceries. Things like breakfast cereal, rice, corn products, cake mixes. The list goes on and on. The majority of what consumers eat is genetically modified. With existing companies using “Non GMO project” verified seals as a marketing tactic, why spend taxpayer money to label the larger percentage of products with a GMO label? So the consumer can make an educated decision when shopping of course!
GMO labeling will act as a “warning” label. Prop 37 has given the public a negative connotation of all genetically modified foods. Powerhouse companies like Monsanto and DowAgriscience who lead the industry in genetic modification are proud to be the makers of a food supply that is so technologically advanced. They have contributed over $9,000,000 in opposition of the ballot measure. That’s serious money because it’s serious business. GMO is an acronym common in agriculture. The same term seen on a package, GMO, will either confuse or concern shoppers. GMO’s were created to increase the productivity of crops by making them disease resistant, pest resistant, greater yielding and in many cases more nutritious. The consumer is being asked to pay more for a product that is labeled, with a term they may not understand, so they can make better informed purchases.
Agriculturalists are concerned with the effects of what they believe to be a poorly written ballot measure. Costs of production will go up. Small farms may go down. According to VoteNo37 the ballot measure will cost billions while shake down lawsuits may destroy farmers. And for the consumers, they won’t feel the effects until they are standing at the check-out line.
Food for Thought 