GMO-Free Rochester In Support of GMO Labeling
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Thirty-five people turned out at noon on May 23 at the Twelve Corners park in nearby Brighton to march in solidarity with the international March Against Monsanto taking place that day. Representatives of GMO-Free Rochester and the Northeast Organic Farmers Association were present but no political leaders attended. Even a show overhead by the US Navy Blue Angels did not distract from the message.
Monsanto is a large chemical corporation that is a leader in the development and deployment of "Genetically Modified Organisms" (GMO's) in our food supply. GMO's are suspected of causing health effects. They are also suspect in causing mass deaths of beneficial insects such as bees and monarch butterflies. The company has attempted and often succeeded in suppressing research into those effects.
The protesters are not demanding a ban on GMO's, only a label on GMO food alerting people that they are present in a particular food product.
Support and opposition to labeling fall largely along party lines with Democrats generally in favor of labeling and Republicans opposed. In DC, New York senator Gillibrand and representative Louise Slaughter have signed onto bills requiring labeling. Senator Schumer has not acted. Several states have proposed labeling requirements pending. You can see them here, and also read New York's proposed law. There is also contact information for your state and federal representatives.
http://www.righttoknow-gmo.org/states
In order to avoid lawsuits from Monsanto and other giant chemical and agricultural corporations, many of the states have a so-called "trigger clause" in their laws that prevent the law from taking effect until a number (often five) other states pass the same law. This is currently the case in Maine and Connecticut where laws have been passed but have not taken effect. New York's proposed law does not have a trigger but its passage would help those in neighboring states.
