October 27, 2014

GMO Labeling on Colorado and Oregon Ballots






[From article]
Oregon and Colorado on Nov. 4 will decide the fate of labeling laws for genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, the latest fronts in a battle over packaging. Measure 92 in Oregon and Proposition 105 in Colorado call for labeling food so that purchasers know whether they are buying products that contain materials that have been genetically engineered or modified.
The states could become the first to pass such a referendum; Washington and California rejected similar measures after expensive campaigns in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Vermont approved such labeling through the legislative process, but the issue is still being fought in the courts.
[. . .]
In Colorado, the supporters of the labeling campaign are heavily outweighed by their opponents: $700,000 to an estimated $12 million, Cooper said.
“It’s definitely a David-versus-Goliath thing,” Cooper said, adding he was proud of the grass-roots support his side had marshaled.
[. . .]
In Oregon, the battle has become the costliest over a ballot measure in the state’s history.
As of the weekend, the two sides have raised $16.7 million, the Portland Tribune reported.
Monsanto has donated more than $4 million to defeat Measure 92, it was reported.

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-81740543/

Battles rage in Oregon, Colorado over genetically modified foods
BY MICHAEL MUSKAL
October 21, 2014, 7:03 p.m.

No comments: