Maine Referendum Campaign on Genetic Engineering Needs You!

‘As goes Maine, so goes the Nation’

In keeping with our tradition of democratic initiatives, Maine may well be the first state to require labeling of genetically engineered foods. Maine Right to Know is a coalition of grassroots volunteers coordinating this statewide effort through a citizen’s ballot initiative. Combining the experience of an older generation of activists with the energy of a younger generation, Maine Right to Know is creating a movement that speaks to all citizens. Our goal is to educate the public and encourage dialogue about the potential environmental and social impacts of genetic engineering with the objective of enacting the first law to label GE foods in the United States. Over the past seven years, Maine has been at the forefront of the movement to demand accountability by the biotech industry for the threats posed to farmers, consumers and the environment. Maine was the first state to introduce a bill requiring the labeling of genetically engineered foods, the only state currently banning the growth of genetically engineered Bt corn, and one of the few states to appoint a commission designed specifically to study the impacts of biotechnology. However, overwhelming pressure by lobbyists in the industry has prevented the passing of three labeling bills. As citizens of Maine, we need to utilize our power and introduce a measure on the yearly ballot that can be voted into law directly by Maine citizens, bypassing the coercive efforts of these lobbyists.

Maine Right to Know wants to mobilize 2000 volunteers to collect the 42,101 signatures needed to bring the question of mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods to a vote by the citizens of Maine. We hope to raise $20,000 to cover the costs incurred by our volunteers for phone calls and mailings. We are also seeking these funds to pay for the costs of hosting forums and printing pamphlets that will be used to educate and mobilize Maine citizens. The biotech industry has just launched a $250 million campaign to ‘ease’ fears over genetically engineered foods; proper financial funding is essential to counter this attack. It is critical to educate citizens about the threats of this technology. Time is of the essence. Energy levels are high as people around the world are refusing to support this technology. Become part of a movement to demand a label. Volunteer to sit at the polls in your town on November 7th to collect signatures for the referendum to label genetically engineered foods in Maine.

For Volunteer Information, Call Tyler Studds at 963-2012
Please send donations to: Maine Right to Know
C/O Tyler Studds
RR1 Box 751 Gouldsboro, Me 04607
For tax deductible donations (specify ‘Maine Right to Know’)
send to INVERT (Institute for NonViolence Education, Research and Training)
P.O. Box 776
Monroe, Maine 04951 or call 525-7776