Consumers Fund on GMO's & Monsanto's Fear

"The other thing Monsanto doesn’t want you to know. We all know that Monsanto doesn’t want you to know which foods contain genetically modified ingredients (almost 80 percent of all processed foods), and which don’t. We also know that Monsanto doesn’t want us to know how genetically modified organisms (GMOs) affect our health, which is why the company refuses to allow independent testing of its GMOs (under pretense of protecting its patented technologies). And clearly, Monsanto doesn’t want you to know that labeling GMOs won’t increase food costs (it hasn’t in all the other countries where GMO labeling is mandatory by law). Or that it won’t provoke an avalanche of lawsuits against food retailers (that wouldn’t be the case under any of the proposed state GMO labeling laws). But here’s something else Monsanto doesn’t want you to know: that if we win even one state labeling law, we will deal a near-fatal blow to the biotech industry’s multi-billion dollar foundation of lies, greed and destruction. In November, voters in Washington State will decide on I-522, a citizens’ ballot initiative to label GMOs. The OCA has pledged $500,000 to the I-522 campaign. If we raise half of that - $250,000 – by April 1, a generous donor will match those funds so we can fulfill our pledge. So far, we’ve raised about $127,000. That means we have to raise $123,000 between now and Monday of next week. Can you help us reach our goal by April 1 with a donation today? You can donate online with a credit card or Paypal. Or you can mail a check. Or phone in your donation. You’ve been down this road with us before. You fought with us, you raised money with us, to pass a similar initiative, Proposition 37, in California last year. When we lost by a mere 3 percentage points (48.5% to 51.5%), you mourned the loss with us. But you also celebrated the fact that we’d mobilized more than 6 million voters in California, that we’d made “GMO” a household name, and that we’d turned the issue of GMOs in our food into a mainstream public health issue. A lot has happened since Nov. 7, 2012. Thanks to consumers like you who hammered the food companies that poured millions into defeating Prop 37, those companies have split from the biotech industry and are likely to sit out the battle over I-522. Thanks to your overwhelming support for Prop 37, more than 30 other states are working together on model language for statewide GMO labeling laws. And thanks to your criticism of Whole Foods for its failure to lend any meaningful support to Prop 37, the nation’s largest organic food retailer recently announced that it will voluntarily label GMOs in its stores in the U.S. and Canada. But we still need a win. We still need a state labeling law. And I-522 is our next best opportunity. Just as with California, a GMO labeling law in Washington State will force food companies to label nationally. And while a federal labeling law would likely be written by lobbyists to favor Big Food and Big Biotech, I-522 has been written with consumers’ best interests as top priority. The money you contributed to Prop 37 created huge forward momentum for the GMO labeling movement. It had an impact that still reverberates today. If we stop fighting now, we throw away our investment. Your investment. It’s not often that someone comes along and offers a $250,000 matching gift. Please help us take advantage of this generous gift and, more importantly, show Monsanto and the biotech industry that we are strong. We are determined. We will not give up this fight. Between today and April 1, your donation will be worth twice as much, as long as we reach our goal of $250,000. Every cent we raise will go directly to support the I-522 campaign. Please help us keep this fight alive with your donation today. You are the GMO labeling movement. And we are grateful for your passion, your energy, your commitment and your generosity. In solidarity, Ronnie Cummins National Director, Organic Consumers Association and Organic Consumers Fund P.S. Prop 37 would never have had the impact it had, without your support. Our $1.5 million donation to the campaign came from individual donations, from people like you. If you still believe in this fight, please donate today. Help us show Monsanto that we intend to win the GMO labeling battle!" From an e-mail I received asking us to post this.

Help Stop GMO Farming!

From: "Food Democracy Now! Team"
Subject: farmers say, stop the frankenfish

Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013
Farmers say: "Call the White House to stop new GMO crops and GMO salmon. It's time to make a stand!"
Stand with Family Farmers Today!
Stand with America's Farmers to Tell President Obama to halt new GMO crops and stop GMO salmon!

Today we're only yards from the White House and it's a big day for America's farmers. In fact, it's a big day for farmers and eaters everywhere and we realize that people from all over the world are watching. Yesterday more than 30 family farmers, who traveled from across the U.S. and Canada, arrived in Washington DC to stand in federal court to ask for an end to the genetic contamination of their crops by GMO pollen and to protect them from Monsanto’s abusive patent infringement lawsuits.

For the past 16 years, Monsanto’s seed police have run roughshod over America’s farmers, suing more than 144 family farmers for patent infringement and settling out of court with another 700 farmers for undisclosed sums. At the same time, every year Monsanto sneaks onto the fields of more than 500 farmers and steals their plants to see if they contain the biotech giant’s patented genes. This is an outrage, but currently U.S. law allows this and as a result, Monsanto has created an atmosphere of fear in rural America and driven dozens of farmers into bankruptcy.

Last night we had dinner with these brave farmers and we asked them what they wanted.

They said they wanted justice, not only for them, but also for you and for future generations and the planet.

Many of you have asked us what you can do to help these farmers and now we need your help!

Today, after our court hearing we will be gathering less than a hundred yards from the White House to send a message that America’s farmers and our food supply need protection and we need your help right now!

Click here to join America’s family farmers in calling President Obama to halt the approval of new GMO crops and to stop GMO salmon.

http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/749?t=9&akid=721.479479.K9r-Sp

We know people don't like to make phone calls, but now it's more important than ever to pick up that phone and make a call. The future of our food supply depends on it!

Right now 13 new genetically engineered crops are awaiting approval at the USDA, including GMO crops that are resistant to more toxic pesticides, such as 2,4-D (half the chemical component of Agent Orange) and dicamba, along with a non-browning GMO apple.

At the same time, the FDA recently cleared a final hurdle for the approval of AqauBounty’s GMO salmon when the agency ruled that the fast growing genetically engineered fish does not pose a threat to the environment. Already bureaucrats at the FDA have ruled that GMO salmon is safe for human consumption, despite no independent scientific research and only tiny sample sizes from the corporation that stand to benefit from its approval.

Despite the biotech industry’s assurances that GMOs are safe, new science is emerging that calls into question what they really know about the safety of their own genetically engineered products and also what they reveal to regulatory agencies when they apply for approval.

Already the first generation of biotech crops has failed in farmer’s fields and failed badly, creating more than 21 million acres of superweeds and a new breed of superbugs resistant to their genetically engineered toxins. What’s next?

Join Food Democracy Now! and America’s family farmers in calling President Obama to halt the approval of new GMO crops and stop GMO salmon until proper long-term safety tests are conducted.

Leaked documents reveal that even government scientists are dubious about the FDA’s own assessment. In fact, the FDA’s own assessment of AquaBounty’s studies to determine whether GMO salmon are safe for human consumption states that the studies contain “technical flaws” and provide “insufficient data”.

While a scientist at the U.S. Department of Interior’s Fish & Wildlife Service goes so far as to say: “Maybe [the FDA] should watch Jurassic Park”!

For the past 20 years, the biotech industry has gotten away with rigging science and our regulatory system, while systematically abusing America’s family farmers, the very people who work so hard to feed us.

This time, they’ve had enough and they want you to lend your voice to stand with America’s family farmers. More than anything, the farmers said they wanted a return to fairness in our laws governing our food supply and integrity in our regulatory system, which giant corporations like Monsanto have been allowed to corrupt.

Join America’s family farmers today, call President Obama immediately to stand up for farmers and eaters everywhere to stop GMO salmon.

http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/749?t=13&akid=721.479479.K9r-Sp

Thanks for participating in food democracy,

Dave, Lisa and the Food Democracy Now! team

Family Farmers for Non-GMO Crops: A Brief History of Monsanto and the Common Farmer

Let's make it a happy ending to this horrible movie so far.  Let's say, "Enough!"

An e-mail from Food Democracy Now!

"On January 10, family farmers will enter a courtroom in Washington DC to take part in the appeal of OSGATA vs Monsanto et al, a court case filed to protect farmers from genetic trespass by Monsanto’s GMO seed, which contaminates organic and non-GMO farmer’s crops and opens them up to abusive lawsuits by Monsanto.


Thank you to those of you who have RSVP'd to attend the Citizen's Assembly gathering to support these brave farmers and plaintiffs in Washington DC.

If you can't attend, but would like to show your support, please join us in standing with family farmers in their pursuit of justice against Monsanto!
http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/747?t=10&akid=715.479479.g4eu19
Since 1997, one year after the approval of Monsanto’s GMO Roundup Ready soybeans, the world’s leading chemical and biotech seed company admits to filing 150 lawsuits against America’s family farmers, while settling another 700 out of court for undisclosed amounts. During this time, Monsanto has investigated an average of more than 500 family farmers each year.

Due to these aggressive lawsuits and investigations, Monsanto has created an atmosphere of fear in rural America and driven dozens of farmers into bankruptcy.

At Food Democracy Now!, we believe it's time to end Monsanto's campaign of fear and intimidation against America's farmers!

This is a crucial moment for America's family farmers and the future of our food supply. Will you let farmers know you support them on January 10th?

To add your name of support, click here to say: “I Stand With Farmers”.
http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/747?t=13&akid=715.479479.g4eu19

We’ll deliver your comments to the farmers before they enter the court to stand up for their right to grow food without threat of intimidation and harassment.
In March 2011, Food Democracy Now! joined the lawsuit Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA) et al v. Monsanto during the first round of plaintiffs, in what could be an historic lawsuit that protects family farmers and challenges the legitimacy of Monsanto’s patents on their genetically engineered (GMO) seeds and their right to sue farmers indiscriminately.

The upcoming decision on the appeal of OSGATA vs Monsanto is a critical hurdle that the case must clear in order for it to move forward.

Monsanto filed a motion to dismiss the case, which was heard in Federal District Court in New York City on January 31st, 2012. In February 2012, Federal Judge Naomi Buchwald ruled to dismiss the case, stating that the farmers lacked legal standing regarding the concerns over genetic contamination and resulting economic harm.

In March 2012, Plaintiffs appealed the District Court's decision to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which scheduled oral argument in the case to be heard on January 10, 2013.

Lawyers from the Public Patent Foundation, who are representing the farmers, have identified numerous reversible legal and factual errors committed by the judge, which they assert caused her to mistakenly dismiss the case.

Family farmers need your help today to send a message to the world: It’s time to put an end to Monsanto’s campaign of fear.

Click here to say "I Stand with Farmers" so we can deliver that message loud and clear to the farmers who travel to Washington DC to take part in the lawsuit and for farmers everywhere who struggle against Monsanto's unfair genetic contamination of their crops.

Thank you for participating in food democracy,

Dave, Lisa and the Food Democracy Now! team

P.S. For those who are interested or able, Food Democracy Now! and our fellow plaintiffs invite you to take part in a Citizen’s Assembly for Support Family Farmers vs. Monsanto in Lafayette Square in Washington DC in an effort to stand up for America’s farmers at this crucial moment in their quest for justice. Click here to RSVP and learn more about how to participate in the Citizen's Assembly."

http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/745?t=18&akid=715.479479.g4eu19

Show You Care About Food

Food Democracy Now! says,
"Take a Stand with Family Farmers vs. Monsanto!


At Food Democracy Now! we believe that family farmers have a right to farm without threat and intimidation. We don’t think farmers should be sued because Monsanto’s patented genes from a neighbor’s field blow across their fence and contaminate their organic or conventional, non-GMO seeds. Actually, we’re outraged by this Orwellian practice and think it needs to stop.

That’s why we’re suing Monsanto in court to protect family farmers from unwanted genetic contamination of their crops and from Monsanto’s abusive lawsuits.

As an Iowa-based organization, we understand the threats and challenges that family farmers face every day. We don’t fight these battles from comfortable offices in Washington DC, but from the Heartland in rural Iowa where we see the harms from industrial agriculture firsthand. We know the risks that farmers face and we know what’s at stake if we don’t win.

Food Democracy Now! is on the front lines of the battle for the heart and soul of agriculture and a healthy food system, but we can only continue this work with your help today.

Can you chip in today so we can have the resources to stand up for family farmers? It’s time to end Monsanto’s abusive lawsuits and unwanted genetic contamination of our food! With your help we can win in 2013. Every bit counts!

http://fdn.actionkit.com/go/744?t=9&akid=706.479479.zubau0

Every year Monsanto investigates more than 500 family farmers for alleged patent “infringement” by sneaking onto their land. At Food Democracy Now! we find this outrageous and believe that it needs to stop immediately.

That’s why in March 2011, Food Democracy Now! joined the lawsuit Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA) et al v. Monsanto during the first round of plaintiffs, in what could be an historic lawsuit to protect family farmers and challenge the legitimacy of Monsanto’s patents on their genetically engineered (GMO) seeds and their right to sue farmers indiscriminately.

In the past 16 years Monsanto has sued 150 farmers and filed charges against more than another 700 farmers who settled out of court rather than face a brutal and expensive lawsuit versus Monsanto, who has a team of aggressive lawyers and endless resources.

In the coming weeks, on January 10, 2013, Food Democracy Now! will travel to Washington DC to stand with family farmers in court to make sure that their rights are protected.

Donate today to stand with family farmers versus Monsanto’s abusive lawsuits and unwanted genetic contamination to help us continue our important work. Your donation before December 31st will help us meet our fundraising goal.

Like most Americans, we believe that farmers have the right to farm how they choose, and that any inadvertent genetic contamination that they experience through no fault of their own should not open them up to frivolous patent infringement lawsuits by biotech bully Monsanto.

It’s an outrage that this can happen, but right now in America that’s just the case. Every year biotech chemical and seed giant Monsanto sends its "seed police" out into the fields of unsuspecting farmers, where they steal farmer’s plants to have them tested in their labs to see if they contain Monsanto’s patented genes.

It sounds crazy, that Monsanto’s seed police could sneak onto a farmer’s field without permission, but that’s exactly what they do.

Last year, we travelled to New York City with more than 50 family farmers to face Monsanto in court. Unfortunately, federal district court judge Naomi Buchwald dismissed our case, claiming that we overestimated the threat Monsanto poses to farmers with their abusive lawsuits and the risk that farmers face from unwanted genetic contamination of their crops.

On January 10th, we’ll stand in court with family farmers again, this time in Washington DC to have our appeal heard to make sure that farmers are protected. Please join us in helping make sure that our voice is heard loud and clear.

Can you donate today to make sure we have the resources to fight for farmers in the coming year? We can’t do it without you! Click here to donate $10 or more. Every bit counts.

http://fdn.actionkit.com/go/744?t=13&akid=706.479479.zubau0

Thank you for participating in food democracy,

Dave, Lisa and the Food Democracy Now! team"

This is just one more proof that America is not free.  You have to fight for the health of your food!  Please help by making a donation or, at the very least, investigating food products so that you can help farmers and not consume GMOed foods.  Thank-you.

Reverse Speak in the House Agricultural Appropriations Bill

A certain group who has been undermining your food wants to do more of the same by calling it protection.  Please help to stop this monster.  The Food Democracy Now Team wishes for you to check out their link.

The say, "The Monsanto Protection Act could pass as early as next week and we need your help today. Click here to stop the Monsanto Protection Act and tell your member of Congress to stand up for your rights and the Constitution!" 

http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/733?t=8&akid=690.479479.O3tvCQ