Despite Biotech Spending Millions, Oregon GMO Labeling Measure Heads for Recount

With a voting split like no other, Oregon’s GMO labeling Measure 92 was only thousands of votes away from passing on November 10th. Now, despite Big Food and Biotech spending millions to defeat the measure, the final tally showed that the effort was defeated by only 0.06 percentage point, less than the threshold needed to trigger a recount.

The measure would mandate that come January 2016, certain foods that were produced with or contain genetically modified foods (GMOs) would be labeled as such.

Oregon’s GMO labeling Measure 92 was originally reported defeated thanks to Monsanto’s onslaught of more than $22 million dollars in negative ads. But as we soon figured out, it wasn’t quite over. Now it is down by just 812 votes — which means there will be an automatic recount.

The Oregonian reports that the recount will take place by December 12. Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of Center for Food Safety, an organization that was a lead author of Measure 92, said:

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of on the ground organizers, and despite an aggressive and expensive opposition campaign, GE food labeling is still alive in Oregon. The power and tenaciousness of the Food Movement has been on full display here in Oregon…Regardless of what happens next, this is only the beginning.”

Sandeep Kaushik, a spokesperson for Yes on Measure 92, reportedly stated: “Oregonians saw through the No side’s false and cynical scare tactics and stood up for transparency and accountability in our food system.”

Agreeing with Andrew Kimbrell, Kaushik said that:

“Regardless of the final outcome of the mandatory recount, the labeling issue is not going away. This movement continues to grow and build support across this state and around the country, and that growth will continue.”

“Those of us who support labeling and backed Measure 92 see this as an effort that will get stronger and stronger until we reach the day when every American is provided the information they need to make informed decisions about the food they eat and feed their families,” Kaushik stated.

If the measure passes, Oregon would become the fourth state to require the labeling of GMOs. If we keep adding the pressure, at some point they have to surrender. Keep it up!