Boycott the Companies that Opposed GMO Labeling

I'm still trying to understand how the voters in California chose to vote against mandatory labeling of foods that contain GMOs.  My understanding is that money talks.  Many corporations were opposed to the labeling, even companies that produce so-called "organic" and "natural" foods.  Look at this chart to see where the money went:

These companies used their profits to vote against their own customer base.  Without those customers, these companies won't survive.  Boycotting those that opposed the labeling and letting them know why you're boycotting would sent a strong message, one that maybe...perhaps...might lead to voluntary labeling of foods containing GMOs (I know, wishful thinking).  

These are the ten parent companies that funded the opposition to the labeling:

• PepsiCo (Donated $2.5M): Naked Juice, Tostito’s Organic, Tropicana Organic
• Kraft (Donated $2M): Boca Burgers and Back to Nature
• Safeway (Member of Grocery Manufacturers Association, which donated $2M):“O” Organics
• Coca-Cola (Donated $1.7M): Honest Tea, Odwalla
• General Mills (Donated $1.2M):  Muir Glen, Cascadian Farm, Larabar
• Con-Agra (Donated $1.2M): Orville Redenbacher’s Organic, Hunt’s Organic, Lightlife, Alexia
• Kellogg’s (Donated $791k): Kashi, Bear Naked, Morningstar Farms, Gardenburger
• Smucker’s (Donated $555k ): R.W. Knudsen, Santa Cruz Organic
• Unilever (Donated $467k): Ben & Jerry’s
• Dean Foods (Donated $254k): Horizon, Silk, White Wave

And go to this page for a link to send an email to those companies, letting them know about the boycott.  Tell them that their efforts are only temporary and that they have only hurt their bottom line, the very thing they were trying to save.

As you can see from the chart, this boycott does in no way eliminate all of your organic choices.  Many good companies spent money in support of mandatory GMO labeling.  You might even want to write those companies, thanking them for the support.

Even though the news was disappointing, there is still hope.  Activists are at work in several states, collecting signatures, talking to lawmakers, and forming coalitions.  It's only a matter of time before the labeling is required because smart people want to know what is in their food.