101,256 Signatures For Oregon Labeling Initiative
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101,256 Signatures For Oregon Labeling Initiative
Date:
Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:34:47 -0400
From:
Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization: Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)
To: Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide
Regulation
cc: Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov
Oregon GE Food Labeling Proponents
Make History
History was made on July 5 when Oregon GE activists submitted 101,256
petition signatures to the Secretary of State's office to put a GE food
labeling initiative on the ballot for voters in November 2002. They are the
first to achieve this feat and they gave tremendous credit to the Natural Law
Party and Mothers for Natural Law for inspiring the campaign. Donna Harris
and a core group of organizers and petitioners came from cities throughout
Oregon. Mel Bankoff, owner of Emerald Valley Kitchen, was not only the major
financial contributor but also collected signatures with his wife many times
through out the campaign.
Children Led Procession
"It was a beautiful day," remarked Donna Harris, one of the chief
proponents, who continued, "Everything flowed beautifully. The speakers were
great, and it was wonderful to have the children there. The highlight of the
event was actually walking with the children to turn in the signatures. The
procession was led by Michelle Bankoff who, I believe, is three years old.
She pushed a little red wheelbarrow with about a thousand signatures in it,
followed by my niece Katie Pyland who pulled about 50,000 signatures in one
wagon, and then Marlie Bankoff who pulled the wagon with the other 50,000
signatures in it. And my other nephew, Jimmie helped push the wagon. The kids
led us into the Secretary of State's office to the cheers of the crowd. It
was a beautiful moment!"
Strong media presence
Media representatives came from two television stations — Channel 2 and
Channel 8, OPB Radio, which did an extensive interview, and newspapers, which
included The Oregonian, Statesman Journal, Portland Tribune, and Associated
Press news service. The Eugene Register Guard also did a story.
Opposition comes out early
Forces opposed to the labeling initiative also showed up at the signature
"turn-in" to announce their campaign to defeat it. Considering that the
initiative is not yet certified for the ballot, their unusual move indicates
the high stakes ahead. Grocery Manufacturers of America, the biggest food
industry lobbying organization opposing the initiative, has a reputation for
threatening to stop doing business in states which contemplate mandatory
labeling of GE food. Oregon voters could be the first to put that threat to
the test after many state legislators have caved into it.
Will food trade stop for Oregon?
Opponents claim that mandatory labeling will disrupt Oregon food trade.
Kate Lord, another proponent of the labeling initiative countered that claim
in a June 25 Statesman Journal article. She pointed out that "Oregon’s
independent streak has faced down such threats before. For example, Coca Cola
never made good on a threat not to sell its products in the state when the
Oregon Bottle Bill became law in 1971, requiring bottles be returnable and
have a minimum refund value". In a July 6 Statesman Journal article,
initiative supporter Dawn Balzano added that, "Kraft has a division in Europe
that labels genetically engineered foods, the same products that are made for
consumers in North America".
What’s next?
The Oregon Secretary of State has until August 4 to verify if at least
66,786 of the signatures are valid. If they are, then voter education starts
for the November 2002 election and the fun begins!
Jeff Peckman
www.bigg-alliance.org
Well Mr. Helliker, The people are beginning to stand up and be counted.
Respectfully, Stephen L. Tvedten
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