Opponents held a 6-point advantage in a poll of 403 likely voters in Oregon on whether to require special labels on foods containing genetically modified organisms, says the Portland Oregonian, one of two news outlets that commissioned the survey by Elway Research. The Seattle company said 48 percent of respondents opposed GMO labeling and 42 percent were in favor with 7 percent undecided and a margin of error of +/-5 points. Oregon is the third state in three years to vote on GMO labels. Similar referendums in California and Washington state were rejected narrowly.
If passed, the referendum would require notices on food packages or shelves and bins in grocery stores. The “Yes on 92” campaign said its polling shows a good chance of victory. Half of the respondents to the poll said they had voted already. Women and younger voters back GMO labels; men and voters over age 65 oppose it, said the Oregonian. Vermont enacted a labeling law in the spring. It is under court challenge.
The Oregon Democratic Party has endorsed GMO labeling to provide “full disclosure to consumers” and “protect the interests of Oregon farmers.” The state Republican Party decided in August to oppose GMO labeling.