If, by chance, you've been holed up in a dark cellar for the past six months and haven't heard: a large portion of the population is pretty pissed off about the whole genetically modified organism--a.k.a. GMOs--thing.
Since the failure of California's mandatory labeling initiative last fall and Congress and the President's passage of the Farmer's Assurance Provision--a.k.a. the Monsanto Protection Act--activists across have been getting riled up about GMOs in the food system.
To bring further awareness--maybe, to those of you who have been hiding out--anti-GMO groups across the country have staged a series of rallies for Earth Day weekend with a Boycott Kellogg's Honk and Wave.
Clean Plate Charlie spoke to Trish Sheldon of GMO Free Florida for details about the boycotts in South Florida.
See Also:
- Monsanto Protection Act Makes its Way Through Senate
- Oregon Saying No to Frankenfish: Florida Senate GMO Labeling Bill Not on Agriculture Committee Agenda
As part of a nationwide effort, 12 to 15 rallies are taking place across the state of Florida. Protestors are aiming their efforts at Kellogg's to demand the company remove or, at least, label products containing GMOs. According to Sheldon, "A lot of people don't realize that Kellogg's products are stuffed with GMOs. And Kashi, which is supposedly healthy, is part of the company--people are paying more for the same exact thing."
The groups are targeting the company because of its heavy marketing to children.
Across the nation, activists are planning on standing at busy intersections holding signs about the company's use of GMO products as well as the potential dangers and ethical concerns posed by doing so. "Consumer awareness has almost reached a tipping point," said Sheldon," It's so important where we put our money. Why would we want to spend our money on putting that stuff [GMOs] into out children's bodies?"
The protests will take place Sunday, April 21, starting at 11 am at the Coral Ridge Mall (3200 North Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale) and Monday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at the corner of S. Corporate Blvd. and Weston Rd. in Weston. The groups have picked these two locations to reach a diverse group of consumers by dividing the rallies up between areas that are heavily trafficked by families and corporate employees.
For anyone interested in participating or learning more about the local anti-GMO efforts, tonight at 6:30 p.m., Food & Water Watch, GMO Free Florida, and Millions Against Monsanto will be making signs and discussing the issue at BM Organics (2960 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale).
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