It appears that the big advertising push by big food companies defeated the California’s Proposition 37, a ballot initiative to require labeling of genetically modified foods (GMOs).
The last few weeks has seen a stunning reversal of poll numbers in favor of Prop 37.Nationwide polls consistently show around 90% of Americans support GMO labeling, and a month ago California polls showed over 60% supported labeling.
Then, large food conglomerates pooled their funds to oppose to the measure and outspent the citizens Right to Knowcampaign nearly 6-to-1 ($45 million to $8 million).
Here is the list of the top donors that opposed labeling:
MONSANTO COMPANY $8,112,069
E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS & CO. $5,400,000
PEPSICO, INC. $2,145,400
GROCERY MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION $2,002,000
BASF PLANT SCIENCE $2,000,000
BAYER CROPSCIENCE $2,000,000
DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC $2,000,000
SYNGENTA CORPORATION $2,000,000
KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL, INC. $1,950,500
NESTLE USA, INC. $1,461,600
COCA-COLA NORTH AMERICA $1,455,500
GENERAL MILLS, INC. $1,230,300
CONAGRA FOODS $1,176,700
KELLOGG COMPANY $790,700
SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. $683,900
DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY $674,100
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY $598,000
Some radio spots even claimed that labeling would raise prices at the grocery stores in an attempt to scare voters. After this barrage of ads, polling as recent as two weeks ago showed less than 40% of the people still supported labeling GMOs with over 50% opposed to it.
As the final vote tallies come in from California, it looks like Big Business has bought themselves a seemingly impossible double-digit victory — currently leading 55% to 44% with 41% of the vote reporting.
By any standard this is an unprecedented turn around in such a short period of time, especially for an issue that seems like an obvious “Yes” vote. Who would not want to know what’s in their food?
Some are already speculating that Prop 37poll numbers were being fudged in the lead up to the vote to make stealing the vote less obvious. Although this would normally seem outrageous and conspiratorial, it seems nearly as believable as the miraculous last-minute win by Big Agribusiness
'Prop 37 to Label GMO Foods Fails in California' have 8 comments
November 7, 2012 @ 10:47 am SICK
A sad day in our state.
November 7, 2012 @ 11:20 am skg
I’m feeling for you all over there!
November 7, 2012 @ 12:01 pm haiah
What ignorent and stupid people,that is why I will never buy any food that comes from California. How sick can peoiple get
November 7, 2012 @ 1:20 pm Chris
This has to be bogus, the result of voter fraud.
November 7, 2012 @ 3:11 pm Wendy
I was so hopeful for this vote to be ‘yes’.
It seems money and lies will buy most anything and the bottom line (still is) we need to look out for ourselves. Buying organic is still the best option for me, the rest is a roulette game.
November 7, 2012 @ 6:33 pm Teddy
Nope folks
the no 37 vote JUST bombarded everyday Californians w BS ads that were totally un-true…..sadly if you listen to this show and the like, you know the general public will believe just about anything. But I saw only 1 pro 37 ad on tv and though don’t watch ads must have seen over 100 no 37’s. The ads mentioned cost to families being $400 a year, and that it would “hurt farmers”. People really don’t realize how bad this stuff is…..lame.
November 8, 2012 @ 8:12 pm Ron
I know this may sound silly as hell. But remember; [if you don`t , look it up] Mark Twain once said, If voting really mattered, do you really think they would let use do it ??
So get this voting “shit” out of your heads & get out there and organize, and start some sort of CO-OP and grow your own. I know its a lot of work. But the next guy / politician could give a shit less about you and your family, so long as they get theirs. John Q public will keep voting stupid. In the meantime, time is slipping away from you & your family to get control of your needs. Don`t get me WRONG !! I would have LOVED, if prop 37 would have passed. It would have made things a lot easer. But as you can SEE !! The BOYS have control of what goes on. So are you going to sit there and whine, or are you going to get out there and take control of your needs?? Ron
November 9, 2012 @ 9:00 am skg
Well said Ron!