Oregonians probably would pay a penny, or less, a day if they pass a referendum to require labels on food made with genetically modified organisms, says a study commissioned by two groups who support the initiative. The study by ECONorthwest reviewed previous estimates of compliance costs and said the median cost was $2.30 per person per year, or 0.6 cents a day.
The “No on Measure 92” group says labeling would create a “just for Oregon” food processing and labeling system that would increase a family’s grocery bills “by hundreds of dollars per year.”
“The cost, we maintain, will be minimal,” said Jane Halloran of Consumers Union during a tele-conference. The Center for Food Safety, a GMO skeptic, said the new study “should be the death knell” for scare claims.
Oct 14 is the last day to register to vote in Oregon, which mails a ballot to each registered voter two or three weeks before election day. Voters can return the ballot by mail or leave it an an official drop box, says the Secretary of State’s office.