As originally posted November 10, 2012 (see below for exciting updates as this story continues to unfold):
There are rumors circulating this week about millions of ballots in California as yet uncounted from Tuesday’s election, keeping hopes alive for the passage of Proposition 37, which would require labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in food. This Prop has drawn National and International attention, as supporters rallied to promote and opposition spent millions of dollars to defeat it. The initial announcements have proclaimed that Prop 37 did not pass. But that doesn’t mean the “Food Movement” is dead. In fact, just the opposite appears to be true. The social media frenzy that has surrounded this Proposition in one of our Nation’s largest States has brought people from all walks of life together to fight for our collective right to know what is in our food. We will continue to watch and join the fight for our food rights in California and other States now taking action on this important topic.
One such action is in our home state of Washington. We knew that Initiative 522 in WA State was gaining great momentum as volunteers worked to gather the required 241,153 valid signatures by December 31, 2012. But we overlooked a smaller action taken this election season by residents of a small island community in Washington State to restrict the cultivation of genetically modified crops, livestock and other organisms in San Juan County, where it is now “unlawful for any person or entity to propagate, cultivate, raise or grow genetically modified organisms” (source: GMOFreeSJC.org). According to Ken Akopiantz, Chair GMO-Free San Juans, “This is about protecting our futures, protecting our farmers and protecting our environment. This is about standing up to corporate bullying. This is about preserving the integrity of our food and the freedom to grow it, but most important this is about our community getting together, educating ourselves and standing up for our rights as farmers and citizens. One small step against GMO domination, but a very important one”. We couldn’t have said it better. We are very proud of San Juan County for taking a stand against GMOs and for helping to inspire the rest of the nation. We have a long road in front of us, but together we’ll get there. Want to get involved and help bring about change where you live? Visit JustLabelIt.Org.
Update January 9, 2013: We are very excited to announce that over 350,000 signatures for Washington State’s I-522 were submitted to the Secretary of State on January 3, 2013!!! Thank you, Washington!
Related Resources:
- You Are What You Eat! Win a $125 Reward Membership to Non-GMO Buying Club (Healthy Home Magazine)
- Flex your Non-GMO Buying power with Green Polka Dot Box (Healthy Home Magazine)
- Unacceptable Levels: Exposing Toxic Exposure (Healthy Home Magazine)
- The Unhealthy Truth: One Mother’s Shocking Investigation into the Dangers of America’s Food Supply– and What Every Family Can Do to Protect Itself (by Robyn O’Brien)
- The World According to Monsanto (by Marie-Monique Robin)
- FOOD, Inc The Movie
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Go WA!!
This is so pivotal. Can’t wait to hear the good news so we can get the rest of the country to label GMO’s.