US: Colorado to vote on GMO labelling proposition

The Palisade and Grand Junction Chambers of Commerce have both come out in opposition to proposition 105, citing the negative affect it could have on local farmers, but not all growers in the area are against it. Two palisade farmers have varying opinions.

Proposition 105 requires genetically modified food to include labels that clearly state, "produced with genetic engineering" on it. GMO refers to a process that changes the characteristics of an organism in an unnatural way. In agriculture this is used to increase the herbicidal tolerance or pest resistance of plants.

Blaine Diffendaffer, from Blaine's Tomatoes and Farms, is one farmer in Palisade against these labels. While he said he generally stays away from using pesticides and herbicides on his crops he's worried if this proposition passes it will cost too much, "As farmers we don't make that much at the best it's 10% profit so when you're cutting into that profit by having to put labels on those things it affects both me and the consumer with higher prices," said Diffendaffer.

However, not every farmer is concerned about prices. Aloha Organic Fruit is a certified organic retailer and already sells non-GMO products so adding an extra tag to clarify that isn't a major issue. "It's a good thing that we should all do if I'm in a store and I look at a label and it has GMO on it, it might help me decide or not decide to buy that product," said Sherer.

If prop 105 passes the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment would develop regulations to oversee the requirements. Failing to properly label food could lead to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail.

If residents vote for this measure food in Colorado will have to be labelled starting July 1st, 2016.

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Source: nbc11news.com