In the last two installments of this series, I discussed how seed manufactures highjacked our food supply, and what’s behind the lack of action in our government when it comes to advocating for safe and sustainable agriculture. But now for some good news.
Despite vehement efforts by biotech companies and Big Agra to mold the perception of GMO foods, a world-wide shift seems to be gaining ground.
Last month, Mexican officials announced the country will halt all GMO corn production, citing the risk of imminent danger to the environment.
News of Mexico’s brazen ban hit the media just moments after it was announced that the island of Kaua’i passed Bill 2491, a bill that will require farms to disclose any and all pesticides use, as well as the presence of genetically modified crops. The bill also mandates a 500-foot, no-GMO buffer zone around all schools, homes and medical facilities.
But perhaps the most encouraging sign of change is the unwavering momentum we saw take shape here in the U.S. in Washington State. On November 5th, residents voted on Initiative 522, which would enact a law that requiring labels on foods containing genetically modified ingredients. The results are not yet final, but regardless of the vote tally, we’re winning an uphill battle against the food and biotech industries who funded a $22 million dollar campaign — the highest grossing ballot initiative campaign in the state’s history — to fight the measure. Proponents of GMO labeling remain optimistic, especially in light of the fact that one of the largest donors to the anti-labeling efforts, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, was exposed for allegedly violating campaign finance laws.
The word is out. Slowly but surely but GMO labeling movements is gaining ground. With each state-wide vote, there is a renewed country-wide hope for those fighting for food transparency and the right to know what they’re feeding their families. And luckily, some big-name companies you may have heard of are voicing their opinions about the need for responsible GMO labeling.