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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Kayla Keller: 281-682-6212: kayla@fitzgibbonmedia.com
Brett Abrams : 516-841-1105 : brett@fitzgibbonmedia.com

Connecticut Passes Groundbreaking GMO Labeling Bill with Bi-Partisan Support

Food Democracy Now! and Connecticut grassroots organizations played an instrumental role in passing legislation

Hartford, CT

Food Democracy Now!, a grassroots movement of more than 650,000 farmers and citizens, applaud Connecticut legislation forenacting first-in-the-nation legislation requiring the labeling of food containing genetically modified ingredients. Despite relentless lobbying efforts from the Farm Bureau and biotech interests, legislators demonstrated bi-partisan support of the labeling bill in both the House and the Senate acknowledging the influence of grassroots pressure.

"The grassroots have won in Connecticut for a key victory over Monsanto and the biotech lobby," said Dave Murphy, founder and executive director of Food Democracy Now! "It was inspiring to watch Connecticut legislators supporting GMO labeling stand strong in the face of the biotech industry's effort to kill the bill. As the President of the Senate Don Williams said, "citizen advocates have turned the tide."

There is a trigger clause included with the bill, which means that it will go into effect when four states, not including this state, enact a mandatory labeling law for genetically engineered foods.

"It has been amazing to witness the power of the grassroots in this David vs. Goliath battle. Connecticut has passed a strong bill that will protect consumers as it should. Food Democracy Now! has stood behind the grassroots in Connecticut from the beginning and will continue to support this momentum as it sweeps across the nation" said Lisa Stokke, founder and director of Food Democracy Now!.

For interviews with Dave Murphy or Lisa Stokke from Food Democracy Now!, please contact Brett Abrams at 516-841-1105 or by email atbrett@fitzgibbonmedia.com.

Food Democracy Now! is a grassroots community dedicated to building a sustainable food system that protects our natural environment, sustains farmers and nourishes families.