This is a Call to Action for a
Non-Hierarchical Occupation of Monsanto Everywhere
Whether you like it or not, chances are Monsanto contaminated the food you ate today with chemicals and unlabeled GMOs. Monsanto controls much of the world's food supply at the expense of food democracy worldwide. This site is dedicated to empowering citizens of the world to take action against Monsanto & it's enablers like the FDA, USDA, EPA, GMA, BIO, and the processed food companies that use Monsanto's products.
Posted: March 8th, 2013 | Filed under: Press | Tags: A.C. Gallo, American Halal Company, American Medical Association, BIO, biotech industry, bovine growth hormone, California, Coca-Cola, Corn, Cornucopia Institute, Customers, Democrats, eat-in, facebook, FDA, Food and Drug Administration, Gary Hirshberg, genetically modified ingredients, GMO Corn, GMO Labeling, GMO Soybeans, Grocery, Grocery Manufacturers Association, just label it, Karen Batra, Legislation, legislatures, Louis Finkel, Mark Kastel, Mellman Group, Missouri, Non-GMO Project, OPLIY, Pepsico, poll, Proposition 37, Republicans, Saffron Road, Soybeans, twitter, Voters, Wal-Mart, Washington, Whole Foods, Whole Foods Market, World Health Organization |
Safe Food Action St. Louis outside Whole Foods Market in Brentwood, MO
By Stephanie Strom
Whole Foods Market, the grocery chain, on Friday became the first retailer in the United States to require labeling of all genetically modified foods sold in its stores, a move that some experts said could radically alter the food industry.
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A. C. Gallo, president of Whole Foods, said the new labeling requirement, to be in place within five years, came in response to consumer demand. “We’ve seen how our customers have responded to the products we do have labeled,†Mr. Gallo said. “Some of our manufacturers say they’ve seen a 15 percent increase in sales of products they have labeled.â€
Genetically modified ingredients are deeply embedded in the global food supply, having proliferated since the 1990s. Most of the corn and soybeans grown in the United States, for example, have been genetically modified. The alterations make soybeans resistant to a herbicide used in weed control, and causes the corn to produce its own insecticide. Efforts are under way to produce a genetically altered apple that will spoil less quickly, as well as genetically altered salmon that will grow faster. The announcement ricocheted around the food industry and excited proponents of labeling. “Fantastic,†said Mark Kastel, co-director of the Cornucopia Institute, an organic advocacy group that favors labeling.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, the trade group that represents major food companies and retailers, issued a statement opposing the move. “These labels could mislead consumers into believing that these food products are somehow different or present a special risk or a potential risk,†Louis Finkel, the organization’s executive director of government affairs, said in the statement.
Mr. Finkel noted that the Food and Drug Administration, as well as regulatory and scientific bodies including the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association, had deemed genetically modified products safe.
The labeling requirements announced by Whole Foods will include its 339 stores in the United States and Canada. Since labeling is already required in the European Union, products in its seven stores in Britain are already marked if they contain genetically modified ingredients. The labels currently used show that a product has been verified as free of genetically engineered ingredients by the Non GMO Project, a nonprofit certification organization. The labels Whole Foods will use in 2018, which have yet to be created, will identify foods that contain such ingredients.
The shift by Whole Foods is the latest in a series of events that has intensified the debate over genetically modified foods. Voters defeated a hard-fought ballot initiative in California late last year after the biotech industry, and major corporations like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, spent millions of dollars to fight the effort. Other initiatives have qualified for the ballot in Washington State and Missouri, while consumers across the country have been waging a sort of guerrilla movement in supermarkets, pasting warning stickers on products suspected of having G.M.O. ingredients from food companies that oppose labeling. Proponents of labeling insist that consumers have a right to know about the ingredients in the food they eat, and they contend that some studies in rats show that bioengineered food can be harmful.
Gary Hirshberg, chairman of Just Label It, a campaign for a federal requirement to label foods containing genetically modified ingredients, called the Whole Foods decision a “game changer.â€
“We’ve had some pretty big developments in labeling this year,†Mr. Hirshberg said, adding that 22 states now have some sort of pending labeling legislation. “Now, one of the fastest-growing, most successful retailers in the country is throwing down the gantlet.â€
He compared the potential impact of the Whole Foods announcement to Wal-Mart’s decision several years ago to stop selling milk from cows treated with growth hormone. Today, only a small number of milk cows are injected with the hormone.
Karen Batra, a spokeswoman for BIO, a trade group representing the biotech industry, said it was too early to determine what impact, if any, the Whole Foods decision would have. “It looks like they want to expand their inventory of certified organic and non-G.M.O. lines,†Ms. Batra said. “The industry has always supported the voluntary labeling of food for marketing reasons.â€
She contended, however, that without scientific evidence showing that genetically modified foods caused health or safety issues, labeling was unnecessary.
Nonetheless, companies have shown a growing willingness to consider labeling. Some 20 major food companies, as well as Wal-Mart, met recently in Washington to discuss genetically modified labeling.
Coincidentally, the American Halal Company, a food company whose Saffron Road products are sold in Whole Foods stores, on Friday introduced the first frozen food, a chickpea and spinach entree, that has been certified not to contain genetically modified ingredients.
More than 90 percent of respondents to a poll of potential voters in the 2012 elections, conducted by the Mellman Group in February last year, were in favor of labeling genetically modified foods. Some 93 percent of Democrats and 89 percent of Republicans in the poll, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent, favored it.
But in the fight over the California initiative, Proposition 37, the opponents succeeded in persuading voters that labeling would have a negative effect on food prices and the livelihood of farmers.
That fight, however, has cost food companies in other ways. State legislatures and regulatory agencies are pondering labeling on their own, and consumers have been aggressive in criticizing some of the companies that fought the initiative, using Twitter and Facebook to make their views known.
Buoyed by what they see as some momentum in the labeling war, consumers, organic farmers and food activists plan to hold an “eat-in†outside the F.D.A.’s offices next month to protest government policies on genetically modified crops and foods. Whole Foods, which specializes in organic products, tends to be favored by those types of consumers, and it enjoys strong sales of its private-label products, whose composition it controls. The company thus risks less than some more traditional food retailers in taking a stance on labeling.
In 2009, Whole Foods began submitting products in its 365 Everyday Value private-label line to verification by the Non GMO Project.
But even Whole Foods has not been immune to criticism on the G.M.O. front. A report by Cornucopia, “Cereal Crimes,†revealed that its 365 Corn Flakes line contained genetically modified corn. By the time the report came out in October 2011, the product had been reformulated and certified as organic.
Today, Whole Foods’ shelves carry some 3,300 private-label and branded products that are certified, the largest selection of any grocery chain in the country.
Mr. Gallo said Whole Foods did not consult with its suppliers about its decision and informed them of it only shortly before making its announcement Friday. He said Whole Foods looked forward to working with suppliers on the labeling.
Source: New York Times
Posted: February 8th, 2013 | Filed under: Events | Tags: Be-In, Demonstration, eat-in, FDA, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, gmo, GMO Foods, GMO Labeling, Michael Taylor, Picnic, Protest, safe food, Sit-In, stone soup |
Many different versions of the fable “Stone Soup†have been written throughout history. One story is about a hungry soldier who, when passing through an impoverished village, announced that he would make ‘Stone Soup’. The promise of mysterious Stone Soup persuaded the small village to pool its resources and offer up its hidden onions, carrots, and spices to feed everyone in town. By working together, with everyone contributing something, a greater good can be achieved.
Today, America can be a food desert, devoid of healthy options and corporate transparency, but with our resources combined, we can move toward a more informed, healthy, and just food system. Mandatory GMO Labeling, Testing and Regulation is a BIG step along the way to an honest and sustainable food democracy in the USA.
- Jump on an action-bound bus from your region to the FDA!
- Pack a picnic, bring an arm full of (vegetarian) ingredients (herbs, spices, veggies, stock) from your region to add to the (Giant) “Stone Soupâ€.
- Join a demonstration at the FDA and enjoy a day of sunshine and picnic-style protest.
Are YOU hungry for some food democracy?
On Monday, April 8th, Americans will head to the FDA, to face down the institution that chooses Monsanto’s industrial interests over policy transparency and public health. Join this historic event to make your voice heard as we begin to take back our food system.
Who: Concerned Citizens, Farmers, Families, Students, Safe Food Activists, Food Justice Organizations
What: Eat-In for GMO Labeling at the FDA, Stone Soup Style.
Where: Outside of the Food And Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway College Park, MD 20740
When: Monday, April 8, 2013, 8am – 6pm
Why: The FDA is supposed to be the watchdog that protects us. Their purpose is to safeguard the consumer against industry, but instead they often seem to do the absolute reverse. The FDA has failed in its core purpose. FDA policies have lead to: a Lack of Transparency, Revolving Door with Industry, Market Bullying, Widespread Illness, Seed Privatization and Well Documented Risks to our Health: Lets take back our Food System!
Become a Bus Captain
The Occupy Monsanto team is eager to work with you on scheduling and filling a bus from your region to College Park, MD (Washington, D.C.). We are able to offer limited financial support for buses that register early and our organizers can offer helpful guidance and advertise your bus on this page.
Bus coordinators are responsible for:
- Helping reserve their bus
- Working with organizers to recruit riders
- Assisting with logistics like rider payment and pickup locations
Our national organizers are here to help with all of these steps.
[UPDATE] – Please email these bus captains with any questions:
Ann Arbor, MI –> MichiganFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com
Asheville, NC –> AshevilleFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com
Atlanta, GA –> AtlantaFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com
Boone, NC –> BooneNCFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com
Boston, MA –> BostonFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com – Reserve your seat today!
Burlington, VT –> VermontFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com – Reserve your seat today!
Chicago, IL –> ChicagoFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com
Madison, WI –> MadisonFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com
Hartford, CT –> HartfordFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com – Reserve your seat today!
Morgantown, WV –> MorgantownWVFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com
New York City, NY –> NYCFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com – Reserve your seat today!
Central New York –> CentralNYFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com – Reserve your seat today!
Newark, NJ –> NewarkFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com – Reserve your seat today!
Northampton, MA –> NorthamptonFDAbus@occupy-monsanto.com – Reserve your seat today!
Pennsylvania –> RightToKnowPA@gmail.com
As buses to the Eat-In are scheduled, we will list them above along with contact and sign-up information. This page will be frequently updated.
To see if there is a bus publicly announced in your area, please check back here frequently. If you have any other questions about buses, please email StoneSoup@Occupy-Monsanto.com or call Gene at 202-805-1603.
Other Transportation Options
Carshare: You can also find or offer a carpool to D.C. by joining our group at Ridebuzz.org
By Metro: The Eat-In will be located one block East of the College Park-U of MD Station (Green Line)
By Train: Amtrak railroad service to Washington, DC’s Union Station is served by the Metro’s Red Line. At the Union Station Metro, take a Shady Grove-bound train two stops to Gallery Place-Chinatown Station, exit train, go downstairs, and take the next Greenbelt-bound Green Line train to the College Park-U of MD Station
By Plane: Local airports include Reagan National (DCA), Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), and Dulles International (IAD). Only DCA & BWI have connections to mass transit options. From DCA take a Fort Totten-bound Yellow Line train to Fort Totten Station, transfer to Greenbelt-bound Green Line train, get off at College Park-U of MD Station. From BWI, take the B-30 MetroBus ($6 cash fare) to the Greenbelt Metro Station, then take the next train one stop to College Park-U of MD Station.
Posted: February 8th, 2013 | Filed under: Events | Tags: eat-in, FDA, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, GMO Labeling, safe food, signup, stone soup, volunteer |
Thank you for your interest in helping fill up a bus of safe food activists!
The Volunteer Signup form is currently closed
Posted: February 8th, 2013 | Filed under: Events | Tags: bus captain, eat-in, FDA, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, GMO Labeling, safe food, signup, stone soup |
The Occupy Monsanto team is eager to work with you on scheduling and filling a bus from your region to College Park, MD (outside of Washington, DC). We are able to offer limited financial support for buses that register early and our organizers can offer helpful guidance and advertise your bus on this page.
Bus coordinators are responsible for:
- Helping reserve their bus
- Working with organizers to recruit riders
- Assisting with logistics like rider payment and pickup locations
Our national organizers are here to help with all of these steps.
The Bus Captain Signup Form is now closed. Thank you for your interest!
Posted: February 8th, 2013 | Filed under: Events | Tags: eat-in, FDA, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, GMO Labeling, safe food, stone soup |
Where: Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway College Park, MD 20740 (Just outside of Washington, D.C.)
When: April 8th, 2013, 8am-6pm
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On Monday April 8th, Americans will head to the FDA, to face down the institution that chooses Monsanto’s industrial interests over policy, transparency, and public health.
As Citizens We Demand:
1) Obama uphold his campaign promise to Label GMO Food
2) Former Monsanto employee & current ‘Food Czar’ Michael Taylor to resign immediately
3) The Obama Administration end the Revolving Door between corporations like Monsanto and the FDA
4) Long-term testing of GMO foods on humans before any new approvals
5) Long-term testing of pesticides & herbicides on humans before any new approvals
6) Invalidate seed patents of Monsanto and other agritech companies
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Many different versions of the fable “Stone Soup†have been written throughout history. One story is about a hungry soldier who, when passing through an impoverished village, announced that he would make ‘stone soup’. The promise of mysterious Stone Soup persuaded the small village to pool its resources and offer up its hidden onions, carrots, and spices to feed everyone in town. By working together, with everyone contributing something, a greater good can be achieved. Today, America can be a food desert, devoid of healthy options and corporate transparency, but with our resources combined, we can move toward a more informed, healthy, and just food system. Mandatory GMO Labeling, Testing and Regulation is a BIG step along the way to an honest and sustainable food democracy in the USA.
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Bring a bowl, spoon, mug, and Organic fruits & vegetables from your community.
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We are working with local activists to coordinate buses throughout the country. If you are interested in coordinating a bus from your area, please sign up here. For a list of existing buses, please visit our bus page. For any other bus-related questions, please email StoneSoup@occupy-monsanto.com
Carshare: You can also find or offer a carpool to D.C. by joining our group at Ridebuzz.org
By Metro: The Eat-In will be located one block East of the College Park-U of MD Station (Green Line)
By Train: Amtrak railroad service to Washington, DC’s Union Station is served by the Metro’s Red Line. At the Union Station Metro, take a Shady Grove-bound train two stops to Gallery Place-Chinatown Station, exit train, go downstairs, and take the next Greenbelt-bound Green Line train to the College Park-U of MD Station
By Plane: Local airports include Reagan National (DCA), Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), and Dulles International (IAD). Only DCA & BWI have connections to mass transit options. From DCA take a Fort Totten-bound Yellow Line train to Fort Totten Station, transfer to Greenbelt-bound Green Line train, get off at College Park-U of MD Station. From BWI, take the B-30 MetroBus ($6 cash fare) to the Greenbelt Metro Station, then take the next train one stop to College Park-U of MD Station.
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ABSOLUTELY! To be a bus coordinator, please sign up here and an organizer will be in touch with you shortly. Bus coordinators are responsible for reserving their bus, working with organizers to recruit riders, and taking care of logistics like payment and pickup locations.
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You can find personal or group housing in the D.C. area through the Washington Peace Center’s website — please contact the churches, hostels, etc. listed to find out their availability, not the Peace Center.
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Volunteers will be critical to making this day a success. To volunteer for the Eat-In @ the FDA on April 8th, sign up here and an organizer will be in touch with you shortly. From Bus Captains to Sign Painters, Phone Bankers to Set-up/Clean-up crews, we will not be able to do this without your help.
We really need help spreading the word to everyone about the Eat-In on April 8th! We will soon have fliers, posters and other materials so please look for those soon, either here or in your e-mail. For now, please share the FB Event Page and make a point to talk to 3 or 5 or 10 or 100 friends!
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Come anyway! As with any event in April, be prepared for any kind of weather. The FDA will continue forming policies that are not in our best interest unless we show up to have our voices heard rain or shine. We will be sure to have plenty of hot drinks for everyone in order to keep our spirits high! But don’t forget to bring your own mug, spoon, and bowl!
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No, in planning for the April 8th event, we have made the strategic decision that the Eat-In itself is the most powerful way to get our message across to the FDA, Federal Government, Media and General Population. We believe that many different tactics, including Non-Violent Direct Action and Civil Disobedience, are needed to win the campaign for Food Safety, Transparency and Justice in America. But today we’ll be Eat-In.
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Who do I talk to?
That’s great — thank you! From recruiting to co-sponsoring the rally, the climate needs all the help it can get. Please email StoneSoup@Occupy-Monsanto.com and an organizer will be in touch shortly.
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The Washington Metro is the best way to get around Washington, DC and out to College Park, Maryland. You’ll want to buy a SmarTrip fare card (either online or in a Metro station once you’re here) and be sure to stand right, walk left when using the escalators (trust us, the locals are really cool but they’re pretty touchy about this one). SmarTrip fare cards are the most convenient way to use the system and though they cost $5, their fares are cheaper and will save you money after your fifth ride. The city also has an extensive bus system and one of the best bikeshares in the country. For more information about how to get to and from the Eat-In from DC please go to “How do I get to DC†section above.
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