GE labeling advocates remain hopeful despite Prop 37 defeat

At least this time, David did not triumph over Goliath concerning the labeling of genetically engineered food.

California voters rejected Proposition 37 yesterday by 53.1 percent to 46.9 percent, with 100 percent of precincts partially reporting as of Nov. 7 at 8 a.m (view the results).

GE labeling advocates remain hopeful despite the loss. Writes the Just Label It campaign on its Facebook page:

Just Label It noted in a press release today that chemical and food company giants outspent proponents 10 to 1. Opponents spent $45 million on advertising against the measure, inundating Californian voters in the final month before the election and likely leading to the steady decline of support and eventual defeat of the measure.

In his Huffington Post blog yesterday, Just Label It Chairman Gary Hirshberg called the spending spree an "an unequal contest between the single voter and corporate money," and noted that the spree,

Not to be deterred, Just Label It remains steadfast in bringing the issue of GE food labeling to the federal level. “Prop 37 placed the issue of GE food labeling front and center, and took critical steps forward in heightening the discussion, and raising the profile, to make labeling and transparency around our food a reality for the nation," said Hirshberg in a press release.

Joining in the optimism is the Non-GMO Project. Megan Westgate, executive director, posted to Facebook today, "Don't worry, everyone, this is the beginning not the end," and that, in spite of misinformation spread by the opposition, "4.6 million Californians (47%) STIL voted yes. This vote has brought the GMO issue into the national spotlight, and it's not going away."

newhope360 will continue to cover industry reaction to Prop 37 in the days following the election. Have a question you'd like us to ask natural leaders? Share it below.