Advocates Push for CT GMO Labeling Law

This article was written by Jessie King. 

A public forum with state legislators and advocates for the labeling of foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) took place Tuesday. The forum was well-attended with people signing in from Colchester, Waterford, Stonington, Montville, Groton and New London. Participants gathered to show support, ask questions or learn more about the issue and about activity in Hartford concerning two bills on the issue.

HB6519, an act to require the labeling of genetically engineered food, received a favorable vote and passed out of the Public Health Committee Tuesday. Another bill, HB6527 and act to require any infant formula or baby food sold or intended for sale in the state of Connecticut to include clear and conspicuous labeling if the infant formula or baby food contains any genetically engineered materials also recieved favorable votes this session.

The speakers were former Congressman Rob Simmons, State Sen. Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), Rep. Tim Bowles (D-Preston), Ian Skoggard of UCC Green Team, and Bill Duesing of Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA.)

Ian Skoggard brought the theological perspective to the table and acknowledged that he, along with the science, is new to the field.

"There's a lot we don't know about GMO foods and there's a lot to learn about it," he said. "It's a very new science that’s very exciting and very promising."

Skoggard equated the new technology to an experiment conducted by a young person who receives a new chemistry set for Christmas.

"We we don't know the long term consequences," he said "and it could blow up in our face."

State Sen. Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) informed the crowd that there is cause for optimism because the two bills pertaining to genetically engineered foods have passed out of committee.

"We have a right to know what we're consuming, it's no more difficult than that," she said. Osten said it's critical for residents to contact their legislators and voice their position on the issue.

"You have a lot of people on your side in the general assembly, you need to convince a few more people," she said.

Osten Encouraged the audience to weigh in on the process while there is still time.

Former Congressman Simmons said the people need to be involved so that the power structure will take notice. 

“I believe we have rights to know what we put in our mouth, we certainly have these rights with medicine,” he said. “Not everyone takes medicine but I haven't met anyone who doesn't eat.”

Speaking as a resident and advocate, he said “we care about labeling because we care about what we buy and eat and we want our legislators to exercise that right.”

State Rep. Tim Bowles (D-Preston) asked the audience simple questions, to which most rose their hands in favor. 

“How many people here want to be healthier than they are now? How many people here care about what you eat? How many people want to know what you eat? That's pretty much the end of the story.”

The forum opened up to audience questions and speakers encouraged the audience members to contact their legislators to state the position on the issue. 

The event was co-sponsored by Food & Water Watch along with GMO Free CT and allies Cedar Meadows Farm, Hidden Brook Gardens, Highland Thistle Farm, Whitegate Farm, Studio Farm, Stony Ledge Farm and Aiki Farm.