The Genetic Engineering News is produced by the Ecological Farming Association, edited by EFA Board Member Thomas Wittman and supported by a generous donation from the Newman's Own Foundation.
Click here to sign up for this news list and other news from EFA.
Share this news on Facebook and Twitter!
Dear Citizens,
Congratulations to Connecticut! First state to pass a GE labeling bill. In the news below it is so important to not only acknowledge to work of the activists and legislature that finally made this happen but also it was public sentiment via social media that made the difference in the end, reviving the bill. Yes, each of us makes a difference!
Onward,
Thomas
1. Breaking News: Senate Amends and Passes a Strong GMO Labeling Bill
2. Politicians react as a grassroots movement comes of age to force GMO labeling
1. Breaking News: Senate amends and passes a strong GMO labeling bill
This article was originally published by GMO Free CT on June 2, 2013.
We are thrilled to tell you that a short while ago, the Senate amended and voted
on HB 6527, the GMO labeling bill voted on by the House last Thursday. After
several days of intense negotiation between the Senate, the House, and the
Governor’s office, a compromise was reached this afternoon. All four leaders of
the House and Senate, Senator Williams, Senator McKinney, Representative
Sharkey, and Representative Cafero, are all sponsors of the amended bill.
Today’s GMO labeling agreement is historic and we are proud to have played a
role in its development. YOU should all be proud. Connecticut will now set the
standard for states around the country to follow. We are grateful to all who
worked to make this possible. Thank you to all our champions in the House and
the Senate.
The amended version of the bill is without the exemption for farmers grossing
less than 1.5 million dollars, which undermined the entire intent of the bill.
However, there is a more reasonable trigger clause included. The bill will go
into effect when “Four states, not including this state, enact a mandatory
labeling law for genetically-engineered foods that is consistent with the
provisions of this subsection, provided one such state borders Connecticut; and
(2) the aggregate population of such states located in the northeast region of
the United States that have enacted a mandatory labeling law for
genetically-engineered foods that is consistent with this subsection exceed
twenty million based on 2010 census figures.” While we believe we have a right
to know what is in our food today, we are satisfied that the language of the GMO
labeling bill will give CT consumers transparency in labeling that will allow
them to make informed decisions once the law is triggered.
This agreement will provide momentum for our fellow activists throughout the
country as they fight to know what is in the food they feed their families. We
are confident that our counterparts throughout the country and the northeast
will accomplish what we have in Connecticut. We pledge our support to them. We
urge lawmakers across the country to follow Connecticut’s lead and give their
citizens the right to know.
We just took on the most powerful industry on the globe and the power of the
people triumphed. Congratulations to each and every one you. The House will be
voting on the bill after the weekend.
If you would like to read the new version of the bill, click here
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/lcoamd/2013LCO08508-R00-AMD.htm.
With Gratitude and Excitement,
Tara and The Team at GMO Free CT
Comments