Labeling genetically modified food, commonly called GMOs – meaning “genetically modified organisms” – is on the ballot, and has become a nearly $12 million issue.
But the “No on Proposition 105 Coalition” has spent $6.8 million dollars more than the “Right to Know Colorado” labeling advocates, and the anti-105 forces still have $4.1 million waiting to be spent.
The agriculture and food companies against 105 include well known names like Monsanto, Kraft Foods and PepsiCo. These three companies alone have contributed $7.4 million of the $11 million raised by this campaign.
The labeling advocates, however, have raised only $441,000, and have not purchased any television or radio advertising to advocate their position. The group is operating a grassroots campaign, knocking on doors and using social media to advance their cause.
This could mean that Coloradans who receive their information solely from TV ad campaigns think Colorado farmers do not support the labeling initiative – but that is only partly true.
The Colorado Farm Bureau has donated more than $7,000 to defeat the measure, but the Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union, with more than 22,000 members in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico, actually endorsed the pro-labeling campaign.
“GMO labeling is one of the things that we support,” said Bill Midcap, director of external affairs of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “But we know it’s going to be tough for a single state to enact.”
Read full original article: The $11 million ad campaign against GMO labeling
