Anti-GMO Advocates Stage Pittsfield Rally
|
A few dozen residents were protesting the increase of genetically modified food, which does not have be labeled as such in most of the U.S. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A few dozen residents ringed Park Square throughout Monday afternoon to voice dissent about the increasing prevalence of GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, in food.
"For us, this rally is just to increase the awareness of genetically modified foods," said organizer Jan Bradley, who said the Pittsfield gathering was one of a number of rallies going on throughout Massachusetts and in other states for Earth Day, spearheaded by GMO Free USA. A subsequent series of actions is being planned for May 25 by March Against Monsanto.
These rallies represent a second wave of political action as foes of genetically modified foods reorganize efforts following failed campaigns to stop the passage of what opponents refer to as the "Monsanto Protection Act," a provision tacked on to an agricultural appropriation bill enacted in March.
The bill, H.R. 933, known as "Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013," is a temporary six-month funding law that provides enough money to avoid shutdown in federal departments. The controversy surrounds section 735 of the bill, a provision that allows special protection from regulation of GMO plants at the discretion of the secretary of agriculture.
"It's very, very disappointing," said Bradley "I know they fit it in with so many other things, but nonetheless, in 2007 when he was campaigning, [President Obama] said, 'I will make sure genetically modified foods are labeled, because every American has a right to know.'
"Then he sold his soul."
Bradley said anti-GMO activists hope to advance labeling legislation in Massachusetts similar to that passed in Vermont and California.
"I think that Massachusetts is a state where we should be able to do this," she said. "If we just increase awareness, people will care, and they'll want to do it. That's my hope.
 |
 |
Tags: agriculture, genetic modification, GMO,
