Port Townsend organic food outlets support GMO labeling

Port Townsend organic food outlets support GMO labeling 

PORT TOWNSEND — The Food Co-op and the Jefferson County Farmers Markets have endorsed an initiative on the state Nov. 5 general election ballot that would require the labeling of foods that contain genetically modified organisms, or a GMOs, in food outlets.

Port Townsend two major organic food merchants announced support of Initiative 522 last week.

If passed, it would require all genetically modified food sold in the state to be identified on its packaging. 

“It's important that people know what's in their food and can make a choice about what they are eating,” said Ann Pougiales, vice president of the Jefferson County Farmers Market board. 

Pougiales said that GMOs are not an issue at the farmers markets in Port Townsend and Chimacum, since organically grown produce is almost always free of modifications, aside from corn. 

“Those selling at the farmer's markets use organic seeds and know the source, so if there is any GMO food there, it is without the knowledge of the vendor,” she said.