The opposition to state-level labeling of GMO foods is out-spending the proponents in Colorado and Oregon, which hold statewide referendums on the issue on Nov 4, says Food Safety News. The disparity is largest in Colorado. The pro-labeling campaign has raised $320,696 – “That is not enough to conduct a statewide operation, especially in a year when campaigns for governor and the U.S. Senate are dominating across all advertising platforms,” says Food Safety News. The “No on 105” has raised $9.7 million, with $4.2 million in reserve for the final three weeks.
In Oregon, “No on 92 Coalition” has raised $7.2 million and is committed to spending at least $1 million more, says Food Safety News. The “Yes ” campaign has raised $4.2 million. The Eugene Register-Guard, the most influential newspaper outside of Portland, was the first major newspaper to endorse the labeling proposal, said Food Safety News. Foodmakers, the biotechnology industry and large farm groups oppose labeling. The organic food industry supports it.
The Chipotle restaurant chain endorsed the Oregon referendum, Measure 92, on Tuesday, says the Portland Oregonian. It said Coca-Cola made its first donation, contributing $234,000 to oppose labelng. Dr Bronner’s Magic Soaps contribute an additional $285,000, for a total of $1.21 million for “what is shaping up as the state’s costliest-ever ballot measure.” Chipotle also backed Colorado’s referendum, said the Associated Press.