DID DIRTY MONEY SWAY THE WASHINGTON GMO CASE

Food And Travel Nation

Food and Travel Nation with Elizabeth Dougherty DID DIRTY MONEY SWAY THE WASHINGTON GMO CASE The TRUTH about Food and Travel Original Broadcast Date: 10/23/2013

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In the fall of 2013, long before congress passed the HORRIBLE Bioengineered Food Laebling Laws, the voters of Washington State were asked to approve a citizen's initiative (sponsored by Moms for Labeling) that would have forced food processors to disclose their use of GMOs. Even before the first votes were cast, there were allegations of inpropriety as over Seven MILLION dollars was spent by the Grocers Manufacturers Association to fight this measure. The case was taken to court, and Thurston County Judge handed down his decision in favor of the GMA. Almost immediately, the GMA claimed victory over Moms, but in reading Judge Chris Wickham’s decision, the judge made it clear that his decision was based on a technicality and the calendar.

Judge Wickham ruled that Moms for Labeling, a newly formed organization, had violated state filing procedures by not waiting the required 55 days after giving notice of an action to sue.

Judge Wickham also wrote: “So I will find that plaintiff is unable to show by clear and convincing evidence that they have a probability of prevailing on the claim — not that there isn’t merit in the underlying claim — but that they can’t get by the time limit and notice provision of the statute.”

In addition to having their lawsuit dismissed, Wickham issued Moms for Labeling a fine of $10,000 plus attorneys’ fees.

THE LATEST: The case of Moms for Labeling in Washington State has taken several big steps forward over the past two weeks.

Moms saw their original complaint against the Grocery Manufacturers thrown out on a technicality. The Attorney General of Washington took up the cause and brought his own action against the GMA. In a surprising move, the GMA released the names and contributions as Moms had originally asked for. Now, with days before the election, Moms have filed suit once again, this time against No on 522, the organization working to prevent labeling of GMOs.

This week on Food And Travel Nation we spoke to Knoll Lowney, attorney for Moms for Labeling about this case.

Just as happened in California, political advertisements from those opposed to labeling efforts are swaying undecided voters in Washington, and polls show a very close race. Food And Travel Nation Network urges a YES vote on "I 522" and we will provide updates.