Bay Area Farmers Push for GMO Labeling, Say “Yes on Prop 37”
October 23, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bay Area Farmers Push for GMO Labeling, Say “Yes on Prop 37”
San Francisco, CA (October 23, 2012) – A new network of California farmers, including some from the Bay Area, is making its debut this Saturday at CUESAʼs Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. These “Farmers for Truth in Labeling” represent many more who have endorsed Proposition 37 (the Right to Know Genetically Engineered Foods Act), and are making it clear that thousands of California farmers support simple, clear labels on foods sold in the state.
These organic and conventional farmers are also responding to a series of misleading advertisements that purport to speak for farmers but are funded primarily by the worldʼs six largest pesticide corporations. Farmers for Truth in Labeling believe that labeling not only serves the interests of California farmers—very few of whom actually grow genetically engineered crops—but also supports honest and transparent transactions with California consumers.
WHERE: CUESA’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Event to be held on the south side of the Ferry Building (Embarcadero at Market Street), under the black CUESA Classroom tent, adjacent to Sur La Table. Complimentary parking available for media persons at the ACE parking lot (corner of Washington and Embarcadero, entrance on Embarcadero southbound) and at Golden Gateway Garage (250 Clay Street).
WHO: Farmers for Truth in Labeling
WHEN: Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 12:30 pm
VISUALS: Farmers speaking publicly, Farmers for Truth in Labeling signs, farmers market in operation, harvest festival
DAY-OF CONTACT (for directions, etc.): Liz Hunt liz@cuesa.org, 415-632-8470
INTERVIEW CONTACTS:
Kristie Knoll, Knoll Farms, kristie@knollorganics.com, (925) 250-4192
David Winsberg, Happy Quail Farms, admin@happyquailfarms.com, (650) 207-1663
Julie Cummins, CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture), julie@cuesa.org, (415) 291-3276 x106
Devika Ghai, Pesticide Action Network, devika@panna.org, (650) 644-6142
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CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food system through the operation of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and educational programs.
Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) works to replace the use of hazardous pesticides with ecologically sound and socially just alternatives. Working as part of an international network, PANNA challenges the global proliferation of pesticides, defends basic rights to health and environmental quality, and works to ensure the transition to a just and viable society.
Farmers for Truth in Labeling Principles:
Americans have a right to know what’s in our food and how it’s grown.
Simple, clear labels allow us to make informed choices about the food we serve our families.
America needs to step forward and model fair, democratic values—we’re falling behind, as over 50 other countries have already adopted labeling for genetically engineered foods.
Labeling and honest conversations with consumers benefit both farmers and consumers.
Pesticide corporations and genetically engineered seed corporations don’t represent or speak on behalf of farmers.
Topics: Press release