Community Currency - 01/12/12

Our Right to Know and Label GMOs

The Committee for the Right to Know is a grassroots coalition of consumer, public health, environmental organizations, and food companies in California that is seeking the labeling of genetically engineered foods (GMOs).

On November 9, 2011, the coalition submitted the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act to the State Attorney General for title and summary, prior to circulation as an initiative measure for the November 2012 election.

The more you know about GMOs, the more that you would like to see them banned completely, but most people don't really know that much about them and have no idea how prevalent they are in our food. The people in Europe have banned GMOs, but the battle against GMOs has been more torturous in the US.

Pamm Larry is a grandmother from Chico, Ca. She calls herself the Initial Instigator of the California Right To Know Genetically Engineered Food Act. Through on-the-ground, grassroots efforts, there are now 115+ community leaders who share her vision and have committed to getting this on the ballot, then won. They are joined by businesses, organizations, and folks from all over the country who want to know what's in their foods. She is Northern California Director of LabelGMOs.org. The Initiative has been approved and they are waiting for a summary, before they can begin gathering signatures. The Initiative process is still daunting in California and requires tremendous effort and grassroots support. It will also have a huge impact upon the entire nation and the food industry, if it passes. This effort is illustrative of the battle between corporate power and profits, and human and environmental health and well being, the challenge of getting out simple truths about what we put inside our bodies, so that we can safeguard our health, the way we feel, our ability to function and act. It also exposes the failure of government to protect people, the collusion between corporations and the regulatory agencies and how the light, the truth can force change in policies that have tremendous repercussions in our health and throughout the world.

Get inspired. Hear Pamm's story and join this epic struggle. We can trump corporate power.

Additional Resources -
The film The Future of Food
The film One Man, One Cow One Planet 

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