Right now, people pretty skeptical about big ag, specifically Monsanto. As a result of the failure of California's Prop. 37 last November--the state's GMO mandatory labeling initiative -- and the passage of the 'Monsanto Protection Act' -- i.e. the Farmer's Assurance Provision, a part of the Continuing Resolution Act--a large portion of the population is pissed.
And they're showing it.
As part of the worldwide March Against Monsanto, South Floridian activists are preparing to stage a massive demonstration in Miami. They've managed to score some help from Senator Maria Lorts Sachs.
See also:
- Obama Signs Monsanto Protection Act
- Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon Planning to Push Monsanto Protection Act Repeal
As part of the worldwide event, over 250 cities spread throughout 36 countries on 6 continents will be marching this Saturday, May 25. The Miami march, which already has more than 2,100 RSVPs, is starting at the Omni/ Adrienne Arsht Metro station at 2 p.m.
Just yesterday, a bill requiring mandatory labeling of GMOs passed the Connecticut Senate. Similarly, an amendment to Maine's mandatory labeling bill, which excluded infant formula from GMO labeling requirements was struck down from its current bill.
In Florida, neither the House nor Senate mandatory labeling initiatives made it to the floor. Senator Maria Lorts Sachs sponsored the senate version of the bill.
Although the bill did not make it to committee, Sachs plans to rewrite the bill to reintroduce it in the next legislative session. "I need to work with a group of people to make sure it's right on point," said Sachs, "I intend to get it passed. A lot of it is just information: I think a lot of senators and legislators don't understand what is happening to our food."
Senator Sachs intends to speak at Saturday's march.
"I intend to tell people that the government is listening, cares, and is committed," she said, "I know the rest of my legislative peers just need to be informed about what is in our food. I'm not saying it's not conducive to good health, but people deserve to be informed about what they are eating. If these products are injurious, it's the government's job to protect people. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue, it strikes every family in Florida."
Broward activists are currently in the process of organizing a party bus that will leave from BM Organics (2960 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale) at 1 p.m. It will take protestors to the march and the after-party at Churchill's Pub. The cost is $20 per person. Click here for details.
Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.
Follow @CleanPlateBPB
