Labeling GMOs, or Genetically Modified Organisms, hasn’t always been a successful endeavor. Previous campaigns in California and Washington failed to succeed with the public. But this year, activists in Oregon collected almost 119,000 valid signatures, which qualified a GMO labeling initiative for the November ballot.

Early polling shows some strong support for labeling GMO foods. A poll conducted earlier this month for EarthFix showed 77% of likely voters favoring GMO labeling. But that’s not necessarily something to celebrate 100 days from election day. Early in 2013, Washington voters favored GMO labeling by 69%, but that November, 54% of voters said no. A lot can change in just a few months, but the measure’s backers have already raised $1.3 million this year, which includes some pretty hefty contributions from groups and businesses that are supportive of organic foods.

Shoopers Have a Right to Know

Backers of the measure say that consumers have a right to know what’s in their food, and any increases in food cost would be minimal. The GMO initiative is one of seven measures included on the November ballot, which includes legalizing marijuana, providing additional money for tuition aid, and a constitutional amendment to require equal rights for women.

If backers of the GMO intiative are successful, it will join only one other state in the nation that labels its GMOs; Vermont. Vermont’s GMO labeling bill became law on May 9th, 2014. In Maine, a law passed in 2014 that GMOs would also be labeled there, but only if five neighboring states adopted similar initiatives.

All in all, things are looking good for labeling GMOs in Oregon, but activists there definitely have their work cut out for them. If you’re a resident of Oregon and need to register to vote, or update your voter registration, visit: http://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/voteinor.aspx

Source(s):

higherperspective.com

http://www.healthfreedoms.org/gmo-labeling-initiative-qualifies-for-oregon-ballot/