France Bans Monsanto GMO Corn? Ahead of Planting Season

On Saturday, France’s agriculture ministry banned the sale, use and cultivation of Monsanto’s MON 810 genetically modified corn, the only variety currently authorized in the European Union. The French government, which maintains that GM crops present environmental risks, has been trying to institute a new ban on GM corn after its highest court had twice previously struck down similar measures. The decision is timed to avert any sowing of GM corn by farmers before a draft law is debated on April 10 aimed at banning planting of GMOs. The current Socialist government, like its conservative predecessor, has opposed the growing of GMO crops in light of public suspicion and widespread protests from environmentalists. This is certainly a victory for France!

Colorado Supreme Court Overturns ?Big Food? Challenge, Keeps GMO Labeling Bill Alive

The?Colorado Supreme Court?overturned a major challenge by biotech, pesticide and grocery interests last week,?allowing for the possibility of a genetically modified organisms (GMO) labeling bill to appear on the state?s November 2014 ballot. In order for?Ballot Initiative #48?a bill that would mandate the labeling of GMO foods on product packaging?to come before voters, it needs 86,105 petition signatures to be submitted to the state by early August, according to Right to Know Colorado GMO, a grassroots initiative established by local residents, which introduced the bill. On Tuesday, Right to Know announced its plans to partner with local farmers, farmers markets, moms, faith-based organizations, natural, organic and non-GMO food retailers, and other health, sustainability and consumer advocacy organizations to gather the required signatures.With no federal GMO labeling requirements in place in the U.S., it is estimated that?more than 80 percent?of conventional processed foods contain genetically engineered ingredients, primarily from GMO corn, soy, canola, cotton, sugar beets and other GMO crops. However, according to national GMO labeling advocacy organization Just Label It,?more than 90 percent?of U.S. consumers surveyed want mandatory labeling of GMO foods. While pro-biotech interests claim that GMOs are safe, a growing body of?scientific research?suggests there may be enough risks to justify the need for consumer transparency. More than?64 other countries?require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered or GMO foods. Colorado joins more than?two dozen other states, including Oregon, Arizona, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, in calling for GMO labeling legislation.