Genetically Modified organisms, often called genetically engineered (GE). The correct scientific term is “transgenics.” This is a process whereby the genes of one species are inserted into another species. For the purposes of this initiative, the term does not include hybrids, selective breeding, grafting or MAS (Marker Assisted Selection). Read more about GMOs here.

The main reason we want them labeled is that we see enough independent data to suggest possible health risks. We don’t want to eat them but we can’t know which foods they are in if they aren’t labeled.  It’s a basic consumer right we are asking for- given the conflicting data and our mistrust in an industry that has been proven to hide negative findings, we have the right to know what we are buying and putting in our children’s mouths.

Much of the World Already Requires Labeling for Genetically Engineered Foods

50 countries with over 40% of the world’s population already label genetically engineered foods, including the entire European Union. Even China labels genetically engineered foods. California should lead on this important issue. What do these countries know that we don’t?

What’s the issue? If they are so great, why not advertise them?  Why does the industry that profits from them fight labeling so vehemently and put so many of their resources into keeping their presence in our foods a secret?  Why  are corporate rights continually given precedence over consumer rights?

Check out the resources page for links to places that can educate you on the issues.  A google search will give thousands more.

In the U.S., 24 states have an initiative process. What this means is that if the people want a law and they cannot get their legislators to enact it, the people can come together and get the law on the ballot to vote for it directly.  Every state has different requirements.  To find out if your state does initiatives, visit here . Then visit your secretary of state website to find out your state’s process.

We have to get 504,760 signatures to pass muster. Signatures can get thrown out for a number of reasons: being illegible, spelling mistakes, wrong county, etc.  Experts have informed us to figure on getting 800,000 to make sure we have enough that qualify.

Because this is a California Ballot Initiativate, we need in-person, physical signatures. We cannot gather online and have until April 22nd to gather 800,000 signatures to get this on the 2012 California Ballot.

To find a place to sign in your area visit:

• Events Page - check if your community leaders have events up.
• Local Groups Page - find your local group.
• Contact Us - Please let us know where you are located and we will direct you.
• Seek out signature gathers - Both Volunteers and Professional Signature Gatherers can be found in high-traffic stores like Walmart, local grocery stores and co-ops, farmers markets, and major events.

No.  The technology exists to do it via iPhone or Android, but the state does not yet allow it. (it’s being challenged in court, but probably won’t be ruled on until after we do our signature gathering campaign)

Federal labeling legislation has been before Congress since 1999.  GMO labeling legislation has been tried a number of times in CA, but either never makes it to committee or doesn’t get out of it.

A labeling bill for cloning actually made it through the legislature, but was then vetoed by the governor.  The most recent example of the hurdles in labeling bills is AB88. It could not get out of the Appropriations Committee in May 2011 and has been pushed back to January 2012.  And that was just for fish. 

Fourteen other states have bills before their legislatures that have gone nowhere. While we will continue to work on and fully support legislative efforts, it is our observation and opinion that we don’t have time to wait for our governing bodies to enact GMO labeling laws. It’s time to send a strong, direct message to those who govern us, whether it be agency or elected, that we want genetically engineered foods labeled.

First off, just because an industry that profits from GMOs  says they will end world hunger, doesn’t mean it’s so.  There are tons of studies that show organic methods and sustainable practices produce better yields than GMOs.   You can google them.

But…hey….this initiative is simply asking for labeling.  What does labeling have to do with ending world hunger? What does our right to choose what we put in our bodies have to do with ending world hunger?   The question is moot.

New studies point to increased health risks.  Numerous vegetables, fruits and animal products are being developed and considered for approval.  We are concerned with the recent deregulation of the high cross pollinator, alfalfa.  We want to do all we can to ensure our children have the option of organic dairy and meats.

Some federal laws preempt or override state laws. The federal government has laws about food labeling.

We make no bones about this being an issue.  We, and many lawyers we’ve consulted, feel it’s time to start challenging this and it will get nowhere if no one ever starts.  We have to ask:  well…what about all the legislation being considered in the states?  If they ever make it through, those might be challenged, yes? Alaska has a salmon labeling law. Has it been challenged?  So we’re supposed to not try this because it might be challenged?  Do we want foods labeled or not?

The FDA’s position on GMOS is that they are unaware of any risks with GMOs and that GMOs are “substantially equivalent” to their non-GMO counterparts.

We know that many of their own scientists have differed with this position, not to mention those at theUnion of Concerned Scientists, and the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, and more.  We certainly do.

In addition, we will remind everyone who reads this that at this time, marijuana is illegal at the federal level yet many states have laws that allow it.   The wonderful thing about living in the U.S. is that so much about the law is in constant flux and change.

We want GMO labeling laws changed.  And if We, The People of the United States want it, we are supposed to have a vehicle to get it.   Wasn’t that the whole idea for this country’s origin?   We believe it was and are exercising our rights to make it so.