RedFlagMagazine

Location: Seattle, Washington

Names: David McConnell and Cindy Black from “Volunteers for I-522”

With only days left until election day, citizens of Washington state are facing the opportunity to make their state a trailblazer in the stand against GMOs. So far only 2 US states, Connecticut and Maine, have passed legislation requiring labeling of GE/GMO foods, but their labeling won’t take effect until other states pass similar laws. If passed Initiative 522 would take effect in 2015 with or without the company of other states, but Washington state’s leadership could help effect similar legislation across the country.

There is much debate and controversy over GMOs. We published an article in our Food Issue detailing some of the concerns: Click here to read more.

One of the main concerns and myths preventing voters from supporting Initiative 522 is that labeling will increase costs for consumers and farmers alike. In truth the farmers and distributors are required to label their foods. They will be given a year to change their labels and no additional cost will land on the consumer.

There are many health concerns surrounding GMOs which is the main reason these labeling laws are beginning to appear on ballots. The issue has already been taken up by Europe. The US is behind on the matter and will hopefully become educated, use their voting power and take their own initiative to improve the quality of our foods.

“Volunteers for I-522”  is a grassroots action group in Seattle composed of volunteers working to pass I-522, the 2013 Washington ballot initiative that will require the labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods. They develop and execute political action focused on raising awareness and engaging voters, such as hosting rallies/marches, speaking tours, bannering, tabling (education), writing Letters to the Editor, and working with the I-522 campaign and other groups both local and national.

To learn more about this group visit: http://volunteersfori522.org/