Proposition 37 battle: A tale of two farms
Originally Published on the San Jose Mercury News
Two farmers. Two opposite points of view on genetically engineered food.
The divergent opinions of a West Marin dairy farmer and a Fresno County rancher crystallize the debate over Proposition 37, a highly contentious ballot initiative that would require labeling such food. If it passes, California would become the first state to require a "genetically modified" label on a host of food products -- from breakfast cereals to tofu.
Proposition 37 is unusual because it's pitted businesses against businesses. Big natural-food companies and organic farmers are on one side. A variety of traditional farmers and chemical, seed and processed-food firms are on the other.
Agriculture is a $43.5 billion business in California, the state's largest. For that reason, spending on Proposition 37 has exceeded $50 million. This tale of two farmers portrays their stakes in this election.
Continue reading Mercury News' profile of the Proposition 37 battle for GMO labeling in California.