By GMO-Free San Juans
The public is invited to a Community Conversation with Steve Crider, 6:30 – 8 pm on Thursday, October 10 at the Port Stanley School. Please join the Lopex Locavores and GMO-Free San Juans for this fact-filled evening concerning Washington State Initiative 522. Learn more about the issues surrounding the labeling of GMO’s and what this initiative will do. Come with your comments and questions.
We are excited to welcome Steve Crider, currently the Liaison for Government & Industry Affairs for the organic food company Amy’s Kitchen. He also serves as the co-leader for Yes on 522 for Skagit and Whatcom Counties. Steve has over 30 years of experience working in the natural and organic food industry and was the founding member of the Just Label It campaign, working since 2011 on GMO labeling issues with the FDA and Obama Administration.
The Yes on 522 Initiative was put on the ballot after a statewide petition campaign garnered more than 340,000 signatures – the second largest number of signatures in the state’s history for a public initiative! Families, local farmers, ranchers and orchardists, small business owners, and consumer rights groups throughout Washington signed so that voters can affirm their right to know what’s in their food.
Over 93% of Americans polled nationwide agree that we have the right to know what’s in our food. I-522 would require labels on genetically engineered foods, which can include sweet corn, corn chips, cold cereals, candy, breads, soy products and soft drinks and, if approved, salmon and apples. American companies already label genetically engineered food that they export to 64 other countries that require labeling.
As we enter the last months before the vote, millions is being spent on advertising efforts. It’s important to get facts in order to make your own decision for your vote. Yes on 522 has raised over $3 million from over 7,000 donors with nearly 80% located in Washington. The opposition campaign, No on 522, is funded entirely by 6 out of state big food and pesticide corporations and NO individuals.
For more information on GMO labeling please check out the website Yeson522.com.
