Vermont’s effort to require labels on foods made with genetically modified ingredients has garnered lots of out-of-state attention – and cash.
According to data from the Agency of Administration, money from out-of-state donors makes up the majority of the state’s “Food Fight Fund,” the holding account for money that will ultimately help the state defend the law in court. As of the first week of June, the fund had raised just over $15,000, and $9,808 of that came from outside Vermont.
Most donations come in chunks of less than $50. Notably absent from the list of donors are two of the law’s most high-profile supporters: Governor Peter Shumlin and Sen. David Zuckerman, P-Chittenden.
But the $15,000 currently in the fund is not nearly enough to pay for a lawsuit expected from large national food corporations. That lawsuit could add up to as much as $5 million if the state loses the case. If the state wins the case, defense costs could still add up to about $1 million.
Read the full, original article: Will Vermont be able to defend its GMO labeling law on donations alone?
