Founded in 1989 by parents concerned about unsafe levels of pesticides in our children's food, Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet has been instrumental in mobilizing consumer action in support of organic agriculture and other environmentally friendly practices and products. We have also mobilized support for legislation to protect families' environmental health.
Since 1993, when Monsanto's genetically engineered recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) was approved for use in dairy cows, Mothers & Others has been demanding adequate safety testing and labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods, and informing consumers about GE-free alternatives. We have been working to ensure strong National Organic Standards, and serve as a consumer representative on the National Organic Standards Board.
In 1999, we formally launched Mothers & Others Shoppers' Campaign on Food, Farms and Genetic Engineering. This multifaceted program is designed to educate and mobilize consumers around the issue of genetic engineering of food products.
Mothers & Others' position is straightforward: We believe that genetically engineered seeds and food products have been rushed into our farms and onto supermarket shelves without adequate testing for risks to the environment and human health. Early studies have shown cause for concern for both. In addition, we know that genetic engineering of some crops undermines organic and other sustainable agriculture practices as well as the independence of family farms.
As consumer advocates, we find it unconscionable that GE food products have been placed on our supermarket shelves without labeling, violating our right to know what we are eating and how it has been produced. This Kit is a tool we've created to help remedy the situation through consumer education and action. We hope you find it useful and will share it with your friends, family and co-workers!
