The election results are in. Proposition 92 in Oregon to require labeling of certain foods produced with or containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) failed by a very narrow margin. Proposition 105 in Colorado, a similar measure, also failed by a 2-1 margin.
Millions of dollars were funneled into campaigns to convince voters that the labeling of GMOs was not in their best interest. Funders included big grocery companies like PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company, General Mills, Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company, ConAgra Foods, Inc. and many more – as well as Monsanto.
Where States are failing to enact GMO labeling laws (i.e. what is GMO food), various counties are succeeding in banning their cultivation.
Voters in Maui County, Hawaii came together and successfully passed a measure to ban the planting of GMOs. The Maui County Genetically Modified Organism Moratorium Initiative will ban all GMO growth, testing and cultivation within the county until an environmental and public health study is conducted and concludes the proposed cultivation practices to be safe and harmless.
Humboldt County, California also passed its own measure to ban the planting of GMOs within county boundaries. California now has three counties with a GMO ban – Mendocino and Marin counties have existing bans in place.
Taking it even more local.
Now the city of Los Angeles is attempting to place a ban on the cultivation and sale of GMO seeds. While there is very little agricultural land within city boundaries, the move would be symbolic of the residents’ desire to remove GMOs from the food supply.
As awareness of the troubles of the current food system rises, urban farming is becoming more popular in big cities like Los Angeles. To further that trend, two Los Angeles councilmen recently introduced a motion to give landowners tax breaks for turning empty lots into urban farms. If the ban on GMOs in Los Angeles moves forward, even urban farmers would be prohibited from growing food from GMO seeds.
The good news? Every step forward makes a difference. Even if state measures continue to be defeated, more awareness is brought to the issue. As people become more educated about GMOs, they will be empowered to make healthier choices.
It’s marketing 101. If companies experience enough consumer pressure for GMO free foods, they will have no choice but to make a shift to meet that demand.
The elections may be over, but you can go out there and vote with your wallet today.
Feature image courtesy of Susy Morris