'This is the time!’ Connecticut gov signs first GMO labeling law in US. [View all]

[proverbialwisdom]

http://rt.com/usa/connecticut-malloy-gmo-labels-148/

'This is the time!’ Connecticut gov signs first GMO labeling law in US
Published time: December 12, 2013 16:44
Edited time: December 13, 2013 16:06

The governor of Connecticut hosted a ceremonial signing outside an organic restaurant in the city of Fairfield on Wednesday to commemorate the state’s passing of what could be the first GMO labeling law of its type in the United States.

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Now with Connecticut taking the lead, Gov. Malloy hopes other states will do the same.

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Malloy was flanked by state lawmakers from both the right and the left at Wednesday’s event, and Republicans and Democrats alike are now aligning themselves in the fight.

“This bill moves forward and reinforces our fundamental right to know what is in our food so we can make informed choices about what we feed our families,” said Rep. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield-Trumbull), according to reporter Christina Chiarelli. “Consumers may or may not wish to purchase foods that they know to be genetically modified, but they need the information made available to them to make those informed choices.”

“Passing this bill is courageous and monumental,” added Rep. Philip Miller (D-Essex). “It is an affirmation for healthy, sustainable agriculture and responsible stewardship of our food supply. The ever growing grassroots efforts of Connecticut citizens has come to fruition with the passing of this legislation. I thank Governor Malloy for being a champion of our right to participate in building our economy as fully informed consumers and citizens.”

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http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Malloy-signs-state-GMO-labeling-law-in-Fairfield-5056025.php

Malloy signs state GMO labeling law in Fairfield
Genevieve Reilly
Published 4:55 pm, Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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Governor Dannel P. Malloy samples a juice drink with Tara Cook-Littman, second from left, after a ceremonial bill signing of Public Act 13-183, that requires the labeling of genetically engineered foods, at Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe at 39 Unquowa Road in Fairfield, Conn. on Wednesday, December 12, 2013. Cook-Littman, of GMO Free CT, has been the driving force championing the GMO labeling law in the legislature. Photo: Brian A. Pounds

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Connecticut is the first state to enact such legislation, but the rules will take effect only after at least four other states enact similar legislation. The bill also requires that any combination of Northeast states with a combined population of at least 20 million must adopt similar laws in order for the Connecticut regulations to take effect.

"This is a beginning, and I want to be clear what it is a beginning of," Malloy said, before putting pen to paper. "It is a national movement that will requiring (food) labeling."

Malloy said residents must speak up when they go food stores and are unable to find detailed lableing of food ingredients. "This is the time," he said. "You better get ready; people are coming and this is not a movement you are going to stop."

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Hwang said the efforts to win approval for the GMO labeling bill underscore the reality that grassroots movements can, and do, make a difference.