Monsanto Pours Out Millions To Stop Wash. State’s GMO Labeling Initiative

Following Monsanto’s $8.1 million contribution to help narrowly defeat California’s Proposition 37, the biotech and pesticide giant has set its sights on Washington’s ballot initiative 522. After several sizeable donations to the 522 opposition group, last week, Monsanto dropped over $4.5 million, making it the biggest single contribution on either side thus far.

Other major corporations including Dow, Bayer and Dupont have made large contributions to the No on I-522 campaign as well as the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents noted anti-labeling companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Kraft and General Mills.

Even with the labeling opposition bringing in over $11 million as of this week, the difference between who is funding each campaign is quite telling. While those against labeling have brought in much more than the Yes on I-522′s $3.1 million, nearly $1 million of which came from Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, small-time contributions from dedicated anti-GMO activists have added up to almost $73,000. Small-time contributions to defeat the labeling initiative? A mere $25.

While the opposition is almost completely made up of major corporations with noted criminal histories such as Bayer, who knowingly sold AIDS-infected medicine in Europe and Asia, Yes on 522′s contributors represent countless groups including Dr. Mercola, PCC Natural Markets, Amy’s Kitchen, Cliff Bar and the Center for Food Safety.

Even with the opposition’s vast cash flow, a recent poll found that 66 percent of Washington voters approve of the labeling initiative. Interestingly, the highest proportion of voters who said they “definitely” would support 522 were those making over $100,000 a year at 54 percent. While the opposition could resort to illegal tricks, similar to what was seen in California when Monsanto-funded anti-labeling groups impersonated government agencies, the chances of voter approval in Washington appear very likely.

With over 80 percent of grocery store food now containing genetically modified ingredients, national polls have found that as many as 93 percent of Americans support federal GMO labeling. The major grassroots uprising seen with the “March Against Monsanto” protests have not only continued the shift against the biotech giant, but have caused major issues with Monsanto’s stock value. Scandals including the recent experimental GMO wheat contamination in Oregon have only accelerated the public’s distrust.

As more independent studies shed light on the dangers of genetically modified crops, Monsanto has pushed back by preparing to re-pass the “Monsanto Protection Act,” legislation that allows genetically modified seeds deemed unsafe by federal courts to be planted anyway.

Storyleak’s Anthony Gucciardi breaks down Monsanto’s attempt to maintain its politician-endorsed power over federal courts.

Read more: http://www.storyleak.com/monsanto-pours-millions-stop-wash-states-gmo-labeling-initiative/#ixzz2emd034Dr