PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)—Biotechnology giant Monsanto is ramping up its spending toward trying to defeat a November ballot measure that would require labeling of genetically modified foods in Oregon.
Filings with the Secretary of State’s office show Monsanto contributed $2.5 million to labeling opponents last week. Thus far, the St. Louis, Missouri-based company has contributed $4 million in Oregon.
The anti-labeling camp has so far raised $10 million, compared to $5.4 million for the pro-labeling side.
The measure would require manufacturers, retailers and suppliers to label foods produced by genetic engineering.
In Colorado, where GMO labeling is also on the ballot, Monsanto has contributed nearly $5 million to the anti-labeling campaign.
Labeling measures in California and in Washington state failed in recent years after millions of dollars were spent, mostly by opponents.
Source: www.capitalpress.com