Voices from the Field

Right2Know March for GMO Labeling

Stronger Together

Do you think genetically engineered foods should be labeled? A February 2011 MSNBC poll showed that 96.2% of 45,410 respondents think so. Yet, foods with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients are not labeled. Consumers who wish to eat or avoid GE (also known as GMO, short for Genetically Modified Organism) foods do not have the information needed to make informed choices about their food. The Right2Know March aims to change that.

Advocates for labeling genetically engineered food are participating in a two week Right2Know March from New York City to the White House to raise awareness of the issue and call on the government to require labeling of GMO foods. The March, taking place October 1-16, is open to everyone and is supported by a coalition of organizations, businesses and individuals. National Cooperative Grocers Association, which represents over 120 retail food co-ops nationwide, is just one of the supporting organizations that believe consumers have the right to information to make their own decisions. Find a full list of partners on the Right2Know March website.

The March will cover 313 miles, about 20 miles per day, and will stop along the way where supporters such as Frances Moore Lappé (author and cofounder of the Small Planet Institute), Vandana Shiva (environmental leader and philosopher), Sara Snow (green lifestyle expert, TV host and author), and many more will speak on GMO labeling. Organic and non-GMO meals will be prepared for marchers. Everyone is welcome to join the march for as long as they wish—whether it’s the two week duration or just a few hours.

To find out more about the March and GMO issues, check out their website, Right2KnowMarch.org and find them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find more info about GMOs in our What is a GMO article.