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Proposition 37, the initiative to label genetically engineered foods sold in California, has received strong support from the local farming community.

"The North Coast Growers’ Association has over 100 members, consisting of local family farmers here in Humboldt County,” said NCGA Executive Director, Portia Bramble.

Our five weekly farmers’ markets support these farmers and provide customers with the freshest, seasonal local produce available. Our farmers’ markets also provide the unique opportunity for consumers to connect directly with the farmers that grow their food, allowing them to ask questions about the way their food was grown and the agricultural practices each farmer uses. Our markets also provide educational materials such as recipes, growing guides for home gardeners, and nutrition information.

The NCGA Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse proposition 37 because we feel strongly that every consumer has the right to know whether or not the food they eat contains any genetically engineered ingredients. Labeling of genetically engineered foods will give consumers the information they need to make informed decisions about the foods they choose."

”Genetically engineered crops threaten family farmers and the seed base they have stewarded for generations,” said local farmer Jacques Neukom, who owns a 15-acre certified organic farm in Willow Creek. “So if you support small organic family farms like ours, you might want to avoid buying genetically engineered foods in the grocery store. But right now, you can’t do that, because they’re not labeled! Proposition 37 would fix that. People in Humboldt County really need to turn out and vote ‘yes’ on Prop 37 in November.”

Prop 37 has also received local endorsements from the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, Eureka City Council, and Arcata City Council. In addition, the Bayside, Dow’s Prairie, Freshwater, Humboldt Hill, Mad River, and Rhoner Granges, as members of the California State Grange, are strong supporters of Proposition 37. In all, over 150 local organizations and businesses have endorsed Prop 37, and proponents are working to increase that number.

The California Right to Know campaign is leading the statewide effort to label genetically engineered foods by passing Proposition 37 on the November 6 ballot. In Humboldt County, the campaign is represented by a group of dedicated volunteers working with local businesses and non-profit organizations. For more information about the statewide campaign, visit www.CaRightToKnow.org. For more information about local activities, please contact Kay or Bill Schaser using the information provided above.

photo caption:

North Coast Growers Association Executive Director Portia Bramble and Assistant Market Managers Breanne Olmstead and Laura Hughes (L-R) show their support for Proposition 37 at the Association’s Saturday farmers’ market in Arcata.