Moms to EPA: RECALL ROUNDUP ( Glyphosate) - Moms Across America

Moms Across America meeting with the EPA to Recall Roundup May 27th 12:30 pm

Meeting with the Glyphosate Review Board: Neil Andersen, Tom Moriarity, Khue Ngyun, Anne Overstreet and other board members.

The Moms + scientists:

•  Zen Honeycutt, Moms Across America Founder and Director 
• Alexis Baden-Mayer, esq. Organic Consumers Association, Political Director 
• Kristi Pullen, PhD, Natural Resources Defense Council, Staff Scientist, health Program 
• Aimee Simpson, Beyond Pesticides, Policy Director and Staff Attorney 
• Megan Davenhall, Author and co-founder of Thinking Moms Revolution 
•  Nanette Elaine Reetz, Moms Across America WA Leader 
• Nancy Louise Visser, US Marine, Moms Across America
  Sarah Cusack MAA, MAM DC Leader 
• Zoe Swartz, GMO Free Lancaster County,Founder, MAA, east coast leader 
• Michael Hansen, PhD, Consumers Union, Senior Scientist 
• Anne Dietrich, President,Truth in Labeling 

After being told we could not test our children for glyphosate ( suspecting link to allergies and autism), we Moms took matters into our own hands discovered glyphosate in breast milk at 760-1600 times higher than is deemed safe in Europe's drinking water. We contacted the EPA. They did not respond for a month. So we called launched a 5 Day Campaign, "Moms Call the EPA to Recall Roundup" and the EPA stated that 10,000 women called by the third day.

By Friday they responded that the levels of glyphosate in breast milk are not a health risk to humans and asked us to stop so they "can do their jobs." We said their job is to Recall Roundup, not tell us it is safe.

They agreed to meet with us.

We moms, backed by PhD scentists, lawyers and a marine, 11 all together, met with the 9 EPA Glyphosate Review Board members to Recall Roundup on Tuesday May 27th at 12:30 in Arlington VA.

They met with us for 2 hours instead of 1 hour. They were glued to their seats. I saw the look in their eyes and I saw that we have people on our side. I also saw fear, resentment, denial and anger.

Regardless, moms will not give up. We will protect our children.

We pointed out that:

• The product is not doing what the manufacturers said it would do, which is not bio accumulate. It is bio accumulating in our breast milk and numerous studies show serious harm to mammals from glyphosate/Roundup. 
• There are numerous studies showing serious harm to mammals and humans including endocrine disruption, birth defects, infertility and sterility, kidney disease, cancer cell growth, the destruction of gut bacteria ( it is a patented anti biotic) which leads to auto immune, autism, diabetes, violnec and mental illness. 
• We want the chemical NOT to be approved in the registration review. 
•  We want this toxic treadmill of chemical cocktails in our food to stop. They are poisons and they are hurting our fetuses, babies and children.
  Enough is enough. 
• We have faith that the EPA board members love their children as much as we do and that they will do the courageous thing and recall Roundup.

Please see the reasons why: The Collateral Damage to our millions of children shows us that cost is much greater than the benefit of a few corporations.

In conclusion, they dd not agree to recall roundup.

They did agree to include the scientific study which MAA and Sustainable Pulse got fully funded.
They did agree to give us the protocols to make sure the study can be included in their review.
They did agree to recommend that "higher ups" meeting with us would be worth while.

We have demanded all files re: glyphosate submitted to the EPA under the Freedom of Information Act.

We are planning to meet with the EPA again in July, ( TBD) to go to the Senate, to push for testing of Yakima valley moms with birth defects 8X higher down stream from glyphosate spraying, and to continue to do what ever our moms feel will be effective in being heard.

We will not stop. We will not give up. The love for our children will never end.
This is PCB's and DDT all over again, yet far more toxic and pervasive.
It must stop now.

Moms to EPA: RECALL ROUNDUP ( Glyphosate) - Moms Across America (Blog Post June 3, 2014)

Josephine County Citizens Vote to Phase Out Genetically Engineered Crops

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2014

Contact: Mary Middleton
541.660.6204

Campaigners for ballot Measure 17-58 declared victory on May 20, 2014, when voters in Josephine County, Oregon approved the measure to restrict genetically engineered crops in the county by 58 percent. Neighboring Jackson County voters passed Measure 15-119, a similar initiative. The two measures passed despite a barrage of negative advertising brought by outside biotech interests in an attempt to defeat them.

These victories build on a growing movement to create GMO-free agricultural “safe zones.” This trend of passing genetically engineered (GE) crop restrictions through local initiative efforts demonstrates that food integrity is becoming an increasing priority for Oregon voters.

On September 30, 2013, members of GMO-Free Josephine County submitted a petition for a county ballot initiative to phase out and prohibit the growing of GE crops in Josephine County to address the risk of genetic contamination to neighboring farms and gardens in the county.

The restrictions also address the risks to humans, pollinators, soil, and water associated with the increased pesticide and herbicide use that GE agriculture typically requires.

Passage and enforcement of Measure 17-58 is critical to the agricultural economy of Josephine County, larger Rogue Valley, and many other regions across Oregon.

The Rogue Valley is a premier seed-growing region for many crops, including beets and chard. GE crops have directly threatened the economic viability of the seed industry in this valley because of the actual and potential cross-contamination from nearby GE plants.

Genetically engineered organisms, (also called “genetically modified organisms” or “GMOs”), are organisms that have undergone laboratory processes to introduce genes from other species to create novel genetics that do not occur in nature, such as splicing fish DNA into tomato, or foreign bacteria into corn.

GMOs are not created using traditional cross-pollination or hybridization techniques. Organic and conventional crops contaminated by GE crops, can no longer be sold and often have to be destroyed by farmers due to consumer expectations, patent infringement liability, and contractual obligations.

When pollen from GE sugar beets, for example, is carried by the wind and pollinates an organic crop of beets or chard, then the owner of that farm will be raising GE crops the next year and will no longer have a truly organic or natural product.

Cross-contamination has cost area businesses money in lost seed production and, under current United States patent law, may place innocent farmers at risk for patent infringement.

This Measure was supported by a great diversity of local business, farm and community supporters who agreed that everyone has a right to grow food free from genetic contamination for themselves and others.

Measure 17-58 prohibits new plantings of GE crops and allows farmers currently growing genetically modified crops a 12-month period to phase out their plantings and transition to non-genetically engineered crops.

The law provides exemptions for certain medical and educational research facilities that use GE organisms in controlled environments that prohibit escape into the open environment.

In early October 2013, shortly after the Josephine County Elections Office approved the proposed ballot title as constitutional, the Oregon legislature passed a bill (SB 863) as part of a controversial special session called by the Governor. SB 863 aims to preempt counties from enacting their own laws regarding all “seeds and seed products.”

The stated objective of the law is to prohibit local regulations regarding genetically engineered crops, effectively relegating all decisions of agriculture to the State, with only Jackson County granted an exemption.

Oregonians for Safe Farms and Families is standing up in good faith for the citizens of Josephine County, and all Oregonians, to assert their rights to self-governance.

"We believe our citizens should have a voice in decisions regarding critical local agricultural matters," says Mary Middleton, chief petitioner for Measure 17-58. "These decisions should be free from undue outside corporate influence and the unnecessary overreaching of state or federal preemption."

Oregonians for Safe Farms and Families intends to continue asserting citizens’ rights to local decision making on matters affecting our local food, farms and future, and will challenge the legality of SB 863.

Oregonians for Safe Farms and Families is a Political Action Committee created by concerned citizens affiliated with GMO Free Josephine County and with the express purpose of supporting and defending Measure 17-58.

KAUAʻI RESIDENTS CALL LAWSUIT BY WORLD’S LARGEST CHEMICAL COMPANIES TO BLOCK BUFFER ZONES “SHAMEFUL”

PRESS RELEASE: 
KAUAʻI RESIDENTS CALL LAWSUIT BY WORLD’S LARGEST CHEMICAL COMPANIES TO BLOCK BUFFER ZONES “SHAMEFUL”

Yesterday, three of the world’s largest agrochemical companies filed a lawsuit against the County of Kauaʻi to block implementation of the recently passed Kauaʻi Ordinance 960 (formerly known as Bill 2491). Syngenta, DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred, and a Dow Chemical subsidiary filed the lawsuit in federal district court on Oahu.

Ordinance 960 establishes buffer zones around sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals, mandates disclosure of pesticide use, and instructs Kauaʻi County to complete a health and environmental impact study. It is set to take effect in August 2014.

The chemical companies currently use pesticides that are banned in many other countries, in the open air, next to schools and homes. Documents revealed in another lawsuit show that these experimental operations spray restricted-use pesticides 250-300 days a year, 10-16 times per day.

In several incidents, students at Waimea Canyon Middle School fell sick after Syngenta pesticide spray drifted into the school yard. Director of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association Tom Perry recounted the incident in public testimony: “There were ambulances where students were getting sick in large numbers along with the teachers. They sent the kids to the hospital... We couldn’t find any way to stop the spraying... we had to file, for the first time in the history of HSTA, a temporary restraining order.”

In the lawsuit filed by the chemical companies, they acknowledge that they “chose Kauaʻi because its climate is uniquely conducive to [our business] of developing innovative GM products for sale on the mainland and internationally.” Residents expressed frustration that while they admit the benefits they reap from doing business on Kauaʻi, they have been unwilling to address the grave concerns of doctors and nurses, environmental scientists, teachers and parents over the constant use of a laundry list of pesticides.

Malia Chun called the lawsuit “shameful,” stating “As a west side resident who is surrounded by the test fields of these companies, it is my basic human right to know what they are exposing me and my family to on a regular basis. Their actions prove that they do not value the health and well-being of our community, and are only interested in their corporate profit.”

Earthjustice Managing Attorney Paul Achitoff noted, “The chemical industry has been using bullying and misinformation all along to try to derail this law. They consider their impacts on the health of Kauaʻi’s residents as collateral damage. We look forward to defending Kauaʻi’s families and its environment, and are confident justice will prevail.”

George Kimbrell, Senior Attorney with the Center for Food Safety, said “Kauaʻi’s ordinance is a sound and well-crafted law. The industry’s challenge is without merit, and we will vigorously defend it.”

###

Contact:
Andrea Brower
abro262@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Paul Achitoff, Earthjustice
achitoff@earthjustice.org

Attorney General Ferguson files suit against Grocery Manufacturers Association

Attorney General Ferguson files suit against Grocery Manufacturers Association:

AG alleges association skirted disclosure rules in $7.2 million contribution to No on Initiative 522 campaign

SEATTLE– Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed suit in Thurston County Superior Court alleging that the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) violated the state’s campaign disclosure laws. Ferguson alleges the GMA illegally collected and spent more than $7 million while shielding the identity of its contributors. The funds were spent to express opposition to Initiative 522, a measure requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods, seeds and seed products in Washington.

“When Washington state voters overwhelming approved Initiative 276 in 1972, they voiced their desire for transparency and openness in elections,” Ferguson said. “Truly fair elections demand all sides follow the rules by disclosing who their donors are and how much they are spending to advocate their views.”

The Grocery Manufacturers Association is a trade association, based in Washington DC, representing more than 300 food, beverage and consumer product companies. It is the biggest donor to the No on I-522 campaign.

The Attorney General’s Office alleges the GMA established the “Defense of Brands Strategic Account” within its organization and asked members to pay assessments that would be used to oppose I-522. GMA then funded opposition efforts while shielding contributors’ names from public disclosure.

Ferguson alleges the GMA should have formed a separate political committee, registered with the state’s Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), and filed reports indicating who contributed, how much they contributed and how the money was spent to oppose I-522.

The AGO filed suit in Thurston County Superior Court to compel the GMA to register with the PDC and file disclosure statements.

The AGO is preparing to seek a temporary restraining order asking the court to order the GMA to immediately comply with state disclosure laws.

The AGO is also requesting civil penalties and costs of investigation and trial, including reasonable attorney’s fees, injunctive relief and any other relief the court deems appropriate.

The suit stemmed from a citizen action letter received by the Attorney General’s Office in late August. Upon receipt of the letter, the office immediately referred the case to the PDC for investigation. Working closely with the PDC, the Attorney General’s Office reviewed information provided to the PDC during its investigation and determined there was sufficient evidence to file a court action.

The complaint can be found, here.


– 30 –


The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.


Contacts:
Janelle Guthrie, Director of Communications, (360) 586-0725
Alison Dempsey-Hall, Deputy Communications Director, (206) 641-1335

I-522 Rally for Our Right to Know at the Capitol Steps in Olympia - October 17th 1-3pm!

Press Release;

Governor Inslee is undecided about I-522 and labeling genetically engineered foods. 

On October 17th at 1pm, hundreds of Washington residents supporting I-522 will converge on the steps of the Capitol Building in Olympia to deliver signatures, post cards and stacks of letters in support of this initiative to Governor Inslee's office. 

The governor will also be provided with supplemental information on I-522 (see below). The rally will include endorsing organizations, parents, children and many voters who wish to urge the governor to take a stand with the people on this issue.

We also encourage Governor Inslee to talk one-on-one with the people to understand all we are asking for is the basic right to know what is going on with our food and labeling genetically engineered food is an important piece of information everyone who eats deserves to know.

For more information on I-522 and a full list of endorsers, go here

Volunteers for I-522 are volunteers from around the state joined together to help pass I-522 and get GMOs labeled in Washington State.

Volunteers For I-522 - Supplemental Facts on I-522 for Governor Inslee 

1. Washington voters want labeling of GM food:

National and local polls have consistently found that a vast majority of the Americans want the choice of whether or not to buy GM food. 350,000 Washingtonians submitted signatures to get I-522 on the ballot and hundreds of businesses, farmers, organizations, elected officials and residents have endorsed it (see http://yeson522.com/endorsements/.) Opponents of I-522 are a handful of giant, powerful biotech and food companies, and a couple of very wealthy citizens.

2. I-522 is not arbitrary or complicated: 

Sixty-four countries have labeling laws. For simplicity I-522 conforms to those laws. Large processed food companies that use GM ingredients already label their products in those countries.

3. Washington farmers support I-522:

Most Washington farmers are small and local. I-522 would protect conventional farmers who can't afford organic certification, and the measure would protect their exports from being rejected by the many countries that ban GM crops. For a list of the many farmers who support I-522, see: http://yeson522.com/endorsements/#farmers-ranchers.

4. Shoppers will not pay more for groceries:

Consumers in the over sixty countries who already label, have not seen prices go up. Companies have not seen costs skyrocket. Costs did not soar when nutritional information was added to labels, though food manufacturers resisted it. Businesses also have eighteen months to comply with the new labeling requirement.

The Fiscal Impact Statement provided by the state Office of Financial Management in the Washington Voter Guide, estimates implementation costs at $3,368,000 over six fiscal years. Divided by six years and by residents over eighteen, that comes to "less than a dime" (nine cents per person, per year). 

Opponents of I-522 have aired hundreds of commercials citing claims by the Washington Research Council that I-522 would cost $22 million a year. The Washington Research Council is an industry organization that was paid to conduct the study. It lacks substantive economic proof to support its estimated cost.

5. I-522 is not anti-biotech:

There is no provision in I-522 to ban biotech food. It simply provides consumers with choice. 

6. I-522 does not require pet food to be labeled:

Unlike California’s Proposition 37, I-522 only relates to food for human consumption. See Section 1 (18): http://yeson522.com/about/read/.

7. There are no U.S. government safety studies of GM food:

The FDA does not conduct safety assessments of GM food. It relies on data provided by the biotech companies who produce the food. Independent scientists in the U.S. must obtain permission from biotech companies to conduct health studies.

The American Medical Association recently called for mandatory pre-market safety testing of genetically engineered foods (See “GMOs should be safety tested before they hit the market says AMA” by Monica Eng, Chicago Tribune June 19, 2012.)

In April of 2000, the National Academy of Sciences expressed concerns about GM foods and the lack of safety testing: “There is reason to expect that organisms in US agro-ecosystems and humans could be exposed to new toxins when they associate with or eat these plants.” (http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9795&page=130). 

The NAS also pointed out the danger of pleiotropic effects (multiple effects in an organism from the addition of a novel gene), causing allergic reactions to unexpected proteins, toxins or allergens. (Ibid, p. 134) The report highly recommended stringent testing on the part of the FDA. There is no safety testing of GM foods in the U.S., so such testing has yet to be conducted.

Press Contacts:

Cindy Black, Seattle - 206.552.3276, cindy@kcsalesgroup.com

Florence Vincent, Olympia - 360.264.6055, florencev2008@gmail.com

http://volunteersfori522.org/

###

GMO Fishy Tomato Car In Port Townsend - Videoblogging 206

GMO Fishy Tomato Car In Port Townsend - Videoblogging 206:


Today, at a press conference held in the parking lot of the Port Townsend Food Coop, Fishy Tomato Car driver Nancy Metcalf talked about the Fishy Fleet, GMOs, the misinformation campaign conducted by corporations in California last year to defeat a GMO labeling proposition, I-522, the Washington State initiative to label GMO foods that is on the November ballot and GMO health concerns.


Kathie Meyer, outreach coordinator for the Port Townsend Food Co-op, explains the research she has conducted on GMOs.
GMOs: The Trust Issue By Kathie Meyer


Rick Doherty, coordinator for the Jefferson County Grassroots Volunteers YES on I-522, explains a couple of the I-522 issues in the November election.


Lies, Dirty Tricks and $45 Million Kill GMO Labeling in California


Deceptive mailer mailed to California voters last year by Pro-GMO front group: Californians Vote Green

NOTE: The Fishy Tomato Car will return to Port Townsend on Friday, September 20 to promote the screening of the new film, "GMO OMG" at the 14th annual Port Townsend Film Festival (PTFF). The PT Coop is a co-sponsor of the PTFF screening of the film.


Charlie Bermant, Peninsula Daily News snaps a picture for his article: Port Townsend organic food outlets support GMO labeling

Howard Vlieger & Pamm Larry Upcoming Events in Washington State!

Grassroots Volunteers for I-522 & Washington State is Proud to Welcome

Howard Vlieger - Iowa Farmer and GMO Crop Expert &
Pamm Larry - Initial Instigator of Prop 37 in California

Howard and Pamm will be touring the state during the month of September educating the public about GMOs and talking to folks about I-522 and the importance of labeling. Please see the schedule below and come join us for one or more events. Also, feel free to share the calendar and list of events to local groups, family, friends, etc!

SPECIAL EVENT with Both Howard & Pamm!

~ Sunday, September 15th - 6-9pm! ~
Special Event for Howard & Pamm w/ Local Volunteers & Organizers
Where: Blakeley Manor - Community Room - 2401 NE Blakeley St, Seattle 98105
What: This will be a GMO-Free potluck and party to honor Howard & Pamm for coming to our fine state to educate people, support labeling and ballot initiative 522. ALL volunteers & organizers working on the GMO issue are welcome to come join the party!

Please see below for a list of ALL major events and bios for Howard & Pamm!

Online Google Calendar of All Events

Schedule is subject to change & events are still being added.

Pamm still has available time to fill, mostly during the day, so all help is appreciated to make the most of her limited time her in Washington. 

(*Apologies if you received this email more than once. We combined email lists.)

Howard - Main Events:

~ TONIGHT! September 10th ~
Skagit Valley Food Co-op - 6:30-8pm
202 South First Street Mount Vernon, WA 98273

~ September 11th ~
Olympic College - 6:30-8:30 pm
 Sponsored by Kitsap Community Food Co-op
Bremerton Student Center 1600 Chester Ave Bremerton, WA


~ September 12th ~
Shelton Timberland Library - 12-2pm
710 W. Alder St, Shelton, WA

Lacey Timberland Library - 3-5pm
500 College Street SE, Lacey WA

The Grange Building - 6-9pm
Sponsored by The Yelm Cooperative 
302 E Yelm Ave, Yelm WA


~ September 13th ~
Vancouver Community Library - 6:30-8:30pm
901 C Street, Vancouver, WA


~ September 14th ~
Republican Booth at WA State Fair - 10am-12pm
Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave SW Puyallup, WA 98371

Sumner Animal Grub - Ice Cream Social w/ Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream - 4-5:30pm
800 Traffic St, Sumner, WA

Fire Station #66 - South Hill  6:30-8pm

Sponsored by TNT Wellness Consulting
9813 128th Street East, South Hill, WA

~ September 15th ~
Blakeley Manor - 3-5pm

Sponsored by Volunteers for I-522 Seattle
Community Room - 2401 NE Blakeley St, Seattle 98105

Special Event for Howard & Pamm w/ Local Volunteers & Organizers - 6-9pm
Blakeley Manor - Community Room - 2401 NE Blakeley St, Seattle 98105

Pamm - Main Events:

~ September 15th ~
Pamm arrives in Seattle!

Special Event for Howard & Pamm w/ Local Volunteers & Organizers - 6-9pm
Blakeley Manor - Community Room - 2401 NE Blakeley St, Seattle 98105

~ September 16th ~
Brickhouse Tavern - 2-3:30pm
109 W 15th St Vancouver, WA 98660

Traditions Café - 7-9pm
Sponsored by Traditions Fair Trade 
300 5th Ave SW, Olympia WA 98501     


~ September 17th ~
Lacey Timberland Library - 11am-2pm
500 College Street SE, Lacey WA

The Grange Building - 6-9pm
Sponsored by The Yelm Cooperative 
302 E Yelm Ave, Yelm WA 98597


~ September 18th ~
GMO OMG Film Screening at Seattle Art Museum - 7-9pm
Seattle Art Museum 1300 1st Ave Seattle, WA 98101

~ September 19th ~
GMO Labeling Fundraiser Concert with The Refusers - 7-11pm
The Crocodile - 2200 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98121


~ September 20th ~
Quimper Universalist Unitarian Fellowship  - 7-8:30pm
Sponsored by The Green Sanctuary Committee
2333 San Juan Ave Port Townsend, WA 98368


~ September 21st ~
Nash's Farm Store - 1:30-3pm
4681 Sequim-Dungeness Way, Sequim WA

Peninsula College - 6:30-8pm
1502 E Lauridsen Blvd Port Angeles, WA

GMO OMG Move Screening - 9-11pm
Port Townsend Film Festival - Rose Theater
235 Taylor Ave, Port Townsend, WA


~ September 22nd ~
GMO OMG Screening - 6-8pm
Port Townsend Film Festival - Peter Simpson Free Cinema
(The American Legion Hall) 209 Monroe St.


~ September 23rd ~
Fairhaven Public Library - Bellingham - 6:30-8pm
1117 12th Street Bellingham, WA 98225


~ September 24th ~

Skagit Valley Food Co-op - 6:30-8pm
202 S. First St Downtown Mount Vernon, WA 98273


~ September 25th ~
Green Party of Seattle - 7:30-9pm
Phinney Neighborhood Center - 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 

Limited seating - Get free tickets at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/461480

~ September 26th ~
Third Place Commons - 7-8:30pm
Sponsored by Sno-Isle Food Co-op & Volunteers for I-522 Seattle
17171 Bothell Way NE Lake Forest Park, WA 98155


~ September 27th ~
GMO OMG Movie Screening - Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) - 7-9pm
305 Harrison St  Seattle, WA 98109


~ September 28th ~

Bellevue/Eastside Event TBA

~ September 29th ~
   Work Party & Potluck for March For Your Food/March Against Monsanto 12-3pm
Sponsored by Volunteers for I-522 Seattle
Blakeley Manor Community Room - 2401 NE Blakeley St, Seattle 98105


~ September 30th ~
Fire Station # 71 - Puyallup - 7-8:30pm
Sponsored by TNT Wellness Consulting
902 7th Street NW, Puyallup WA


~ October 1st ~

Fundraiser featuring Pamm Larry & Jeffery Smith
Sponsored by Marlene's Market
2565 S Gateway Center Plaza Federal Way, WA 98003

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Howard Vlieger

Howard Vlieger is a third generation family farmer who has been a “student of the soil,” studying why and how the soil works as it does, since 1989.  Howard lives on the family farm where he was born and raised in northwest Iowa. He assists his son with some of the farming duties.  Since 1992 Howard has been a crop nutrition advisor and has founded two companies to help family farmers reduce their dependency on chemical- based farming and transition to biological and or organic production.  Howard works and teaches as an independent crop nutrition advisor, helping crop and livestock farmers all across the US.

Howard also works with scientists and researchers around the world to develop effective solutions, based on the latest science, for the real-life problems farmers are experiencing because of GMO crops and the chemicals used in growing them. Howard is a co-author and the primary coordinator of a first of its kind scientific study: the feeding of GMO grain and non-GMO grain to hogs for their lifetime as a meat animal.  Howard is an internationally recognized speaker on the topic of GMOs. He believes people deserve to be educated and know what is in their food.  

Howard serves on the board of directors of the Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) and the Council for Healthy Food Systems (CHFS). He is a strong conservative and for many years has been a delegate for his county to the Iowa State Republican Convention. His greatest accomplishments are being a Christian husband for 32 plus years to his wonderful wife Pam and father to three young adult children & a proud grandfather of one. 

About Pamm Larry

Pamm Larry, farmer, midwife, businesswoman and a gutsy grandmother of three was so distraught about our modern day food system that she quit her day job and spent her time educating herself on GMOs and how to apply for a ballot initiative. She then went on the road and heard a resounding YES from the people in California to pursue a Ballot Initiative. This effort resulted in the Yes On Prop 37, California Right To Know Campaign of November 2012. 

Grandma Larry and her galvanized cadre of concerned citizens represent the sane, spirited voice of a growing number of skeptical Americans who don't necessarily trust better living through chemistry and who demand labeling of genetically modified foods. 

FIESTY FARMER HOWARD VLIEGER EXPLAINS GMOS FIRST HAND & THE IMPORTANCE OF LABELING

Media | Volunteers for I-522:


Grassroots Volunteers Welcomes GMO Expert Howard Vlieger to Washington State in Support of Washington State Initiative 522 for Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food


Weekly Women's GMO Free News Google Hangout Interview with Howard Vlieger and Pamm Larry (August 28, 2013)

Howard Vlieger will be touring Washington State from September 4 beginning in Spokane and ending in Seattle in support of ballot initiate 522, which would require labeling of genetically modified food or GMOs. He will be speaking to a variety of groups regarding his expertise and research regarding genetically modified crops.

About Howard Vlieger

Howard Vlieger is a third generation family farmer who has been a “student of the soil,” studying why and how the soil works as it does, since 1989. Howard lives on the family farm where he was born and raised in northwest Iowa. He assists his son with some of the farming duties. Since 1992 Howard has been a crop nutrition advisor and has founded two companies to help family farmers reduce their dependency on chemical- based farming and transition to biological and or organic production.

Howard works and teaches as an independent crop nutrition adviser, helping crop and livestock farmers all Howard also works with scientists and researchers around the world to develop effective solutions, based on the latest science, for the real-life problems farmers are experiencing because of GMO crops and the chemicals used in growing them. Howard is a co-author and the primary coordinator of a first of its kind scientific study: the feeding of GMO grain and non-GMO grain to hogs for their lifetime as a meat animal. Howard is an internationally recognized speaker on the topic of GMOs. He believes people deserve to be educated and know what is in their food.

Howard serves on the board of directors of the Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance FARFA) and the Council for Healthy Food Systems (CHFS). He is a strong conservative and for many years has been a delegate for his county to the Iowa State Republican Convention. His greatest accomplishments are being a Christian husband for 32 plus years to his wonderful wife Pam and father to three young adult children & a proud grandfather of one.


Howard Vlieger Washington September Speaking Tour Online Calendar

For more information on Howard Vlieger:

1. Interview with Howard Vlieger on GMOs - Farm And Ranch freedom Alliance (2011)

2. Yet Another Reason GMOs Suck - Nation Of Change (Oct 2012)

3. Food Sleuth Radio, Howard Vlieger Interview (28 minutes)

About Grassroots Volunteers for I-522

Volunteers for I-522 are a group of grassroots organizers & volunteers from around WA State dedicated to spreading awareness and information about GMOs, the importance of labeling and to provide opportunities to get involved.

About Yes on 522

Yes on 522 provides Washington shoppers with more information about what’s in the food they buy so that they can make the best decisions for their families. More than 350,000 signatures were collected to get I-522 on the November 2013 ballot—second highest number of signatures gathered for an Initiative to the Legislature in state history.

Welcome Message: I-522 Volunteers Media List

Hello wonderful volunteers!  Thank you so much for offering to call some reporters for us.  We send out weekly press releases to over 700 reporters and we need your help to follow up with some phone calls.  

Step 1 - go to our media contact info spreadsheet. (To participate, sign up here)

Step 2 - Look at the media contact list, and pick a reporter with a listed phone number, and give them a call.  

Here is an example of what you could say: 

Hi, my name is Sarah Stolar and I am calling to ask if you received the press release about the Washington state speaking tours for Pamm Larry and Howard Vlieger being organized by I-522 GMO grassroots groups?  Are you interested in interviewing Pamm, Howard, or a grassroots leader?  I feel this is a really important story because... (ex - The speaking tours will raise awareness of I-522, which will require GMO's/GE foods to be labeled and as a Mom, and I feel that every mom should have a chance to learn about GMO's so that they can be educated about what they feed their kids.) If the mood is right, talk about why you are involved in this issue.

Step 3 - Once you have called a reporter, please make a note of it in the "Date called/Name of caller" column.  We are asking that each volunteer call at least 10 reporters, as soon as possible.  If you would like to do more, please feel free!

Thank you all so much for offering your help.  We need it!  Please let us know if you have any questions at all in the comments below.

Press Releases

I-522 GMO Grassroots Groups Organize September Speaking Tour For Grandmother Pamm Larry and Farmer Howard Vlieger

SEATTLE, WA (August 19, 2013) Washington grassroots volunteers for I-522 have asked Pamm Larry, the initial instigator of the genetically engineered labeling act in California, and Iowa Farmer Howard Vlieger (R) to participate in a statewide speaking tour in September to educate voters on GMO Food Labeling issues and help organize the grassroots troops. Annmarie Gianni Skin Care and Good Earth Natural Foods are funding the fall tour.

The Fishy Fleet Is COMING TO A STREET NEAR YOU

COMING TO A STREET NEAR YOU

Ben & Jerry’s and the Volunteers for the Yes on 522 Campaign are teaming up this Saturday to Bring Free Ice Cream and Photo Ops to ‘Sand in the City’ goers.

‘Poppy’ is a Fishy Corn Car that ‘swam’ from Washington DC to Seattle with his four fruit and vegetable friends. Their purpose was to bring attention to the need to Label Genetically Engineered Food.

‘Poppy’ is supported by Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps and is being kept at his new “Granny’s” home in Tenino.  His “Grandma” Florence Vincent will be driving him all over the South Sound to bring attention to the issue.  The Fishy Cars website is: 

“I just picked ‘Poppy’ up from Seattle. He is so much fun to drive. People honk and wave, take pictures and wave, and motorbikes drive along side, wave then zoom off.  I had a smile on my face the whole way!”

The Initiative will be on the November ballot.  The Volunteers with the Yes on 522 Campaign know the campaign will be outspent by the No campaign.  The Yes Campaign is funded by over 3500 small donors, dozens of small businesses and associations, while the No Campaign is funded by 4 Chemical Companies and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. 

“I was just in the UK, where food on the grocery shelves needs to be labeled if they include Genetically Engineered Food.  For those who read labels, it makes life so much easier.  The label on the packaging is tiny and it doesn't affect the price of the food at all”.  The UK is one of 64 countries that require labeling. 

“It’s affecting our farmers as those countries won’t accept our exports. That includes major trading partners like China, Japan and Europe.  It would help our farmers if food could be labeled”.

Yes on 522 Campaign (206) 432-9170 www.yeson522.com

Florence Vincent: florencev@fairpoint.net: 360-264-6055: Twitter @FishyCorn  Facebook: Fishy Corn

I-522 GMO Grassroots Groups Organize September Speaking Tour For Grandmother Pamm Larry and Farmer Howard Vlieger

Press Release:

I-522 GMO Grassroots Groups Organize September Speaking Tour For Grandmother Pamm Larry and Farmer Howard Vlieger

SEATTLE, WA (August 19, 2013) Washington grassroots volunteers for I-522 have asked Pamm Larry, the initial instigator of the genetically engineered labeling act in California, and Iowa Farmer Howard Vlieger (R) to participate in a statewide speaking tour in September to educate voters on GMO Food Labeling issues and help organize the grassroots troops. Annmarie Gianni Skin Care and Good Earth Natural Foods are funding the fall tour.

“Having Pamm Larry come to Washington to help with I-522 is a no-brainer.  She started the GE Labeling initiative movement, and I-522 wouldn't be on our Washington state ballot this November if it weren't for Pamm's efforts in California last year,” explains Sarah Stolar, a coordinator of Volunteer’s for I-522.  “She has been through ALL of this already, so both grassroots groups and the Yes on 522 campaign have a lot to learn from her.  We do not need or want to waste energy reinventing the wheel; we need to take the valuable lessons learned from California's experience and use them to improve our own work.  Learning from California's Prop 37 and not repeating the same mistakes is the only way we can successfully pass I-522.  Who better to help guide the way than Pamm Larry?”

“Washington will finish what Prop 37 started but was waylaid by Chemical and Junk Food Companies in their campaign of misinformation and distractions from the issue which is labeling of our foods,” explains Pamm Larry, Grandmother of three and Label GMO Food movement initial instigator. “We have a right to know what we are buying and feeding our children and ourselves. I-522 is the next step and is everyone's ballot initiative.  When we all unite no matter where we are from, we are a powerful force.  California Grassroots stand with the people of Washington in continuing the fight for the right to know what's in our food.  We will do all we can to assure victory there. I am delighted and honored to have the opportunity to join hands with the people of Washington to let them know about our oppositions dirty tactics in California during Prop 37.   We are uniting across state lines because this isn't just about Washington- it's about all of us. No matter what city, state, or country we live in, every step we take anywhere for food sovereignty is a step for all of us.”

“I have been involved with research and testing of GMOs since 1994. I have seen the damage caused by GMOs at ground level,” says Howard Vlieger, “What is happening to the soil, the crops, the livestock and sadly now the children and people. Can we really believe what we are being told by the companies that say GMOs are the way of future for food production or is there more to the story? Are you willing to bet the future of your farm and the health of your family on the word of GMO companies without exploring the rest of the story for yourself?”

"Every action and decision that we make as individuals and as a company will have an impact on the environment, “states Rachel Pachivas, Annmarie Gianni Skin Care. “We strive to make this as little of an impact as possible. We search out for the best and most sustainable sourcing in everything we do. From the paper that our letterhead is on, to the oil that makes its way onto your skin, there is careful and conscious thought that goes into every decision made. We actively support LabelGMOs and the movement around these issues. A few of us here in the company had volunteered during Prop 37 in California and know how inspiring Pamm Larry is, so of course... we are happy to help her get up to Washington and support I-522. A victory in Washington will be monumental for the food movement... it's time we stand up to Ag-Biotech industry and demand we know what they are putting in our food!”

About Pamm Larry

Pamm Larry, farmer, midwife, businesswoman and a gutsy grandmother of three was so distraught about our modern day food system that she quit her day job and spent her time educating herself on GMOs and how to apply for a ballot initiative. Next, she searched out her team and went straight to the state capital to painstakingly navigate through the bureaucratic muddle of tedious paperwork necessary to put an initiative on the California ballot.

Grandma Larry and her galvanized cadre of concerned citizens represent the sane, spirited voice of a growing number of skeptical Americans who don't necessarily trust better living through chemistry.

Article: 

The Spark Behind the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act of 2012

About Howard Vlieger

Howard Vlieger is a third generation family farmer who has been a “student of the soil,” studying why and how the soil works as it does, since 1989.  Howard lives on the family farm where he was born and raised in northwest Iowa..   Since 1992 Howard has been a crop nutrition advisor and has founded two companies to help family farmers reduce their dependency on chemical-based farming and transition to biological and/or organic production.  Howard also works with scientists and researchers around the world to develop effective solutions, based on the latest science, for the real-life problems farmers are experiencing because of GMO crops and glyphosate. Howard is a co-author and the primary coordinator of a first of its kind scientific study: the feeding of GMO grain and non-GMO grain to hogs for their lifetime as a meat animal.  Howard is an internationally recognized speaker on the topic of GMOs.

Annmarie Gianni Skin Care

Annmarie Gianni Skin Care is an organic skin care line using 100% natural, certified organic, and wild-crafted ingredients. The team strives to bring their ideals into the eyes of the community. They believe knowledge is power and they love providing information to others on organics and wild-crafting, truth in labeling and transparency, and giving back to the community.

About Yes on 522

Yes on 522 provides Washington shoppers with more information about what’s in the food they buy so that they can make the best decisions for their families. More than 350,000 signatures were collected to get I-522 on the November 2013 ballot—second highest number of signatures gathered for an Initiative to the Legislature in state history.  www.yeson522.com

ESCONDIDO, Calif., July 17, 2013: Dr. Bronner's Transforms Iconic Soap Label into Agitprop to Support GMO Labeling & Yes on I-522 Campaign in Washington | PRNewswire | Rock Hill Herald Online

ESCONDIDO, CALIF., JULY 17, 2013 — Quart-Size Liquid Soap Bottles with Limited Edition Label in Stores Across the USA in Fall 2013

ESCONDIDO, Calif., July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, family-owned maker of the top-selling natural brand of soap in North America and advocate for sustainable agriculture, has created a special agitprop label for its quart-size liquid soaps in support of GMO labeling and the Washington state voter initiative to label GMOs, Yes on I-522 "The Washington Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act." Natural product stores throughout all 50 states and Dr. Bronner's webstore will stock the limited edition soap label starting in late September through November of 2013. An image of the special 'GMO Info' label is available at:http://www.drbronner.com/pdf/32oz_Yeson522_Liquid_Soaps.pdf.

"Genetic engineering of food crops is a pesticide industry boondoggle. Rather than help farmers move to more sustainable, less chemical intensive agriculture, genetic engineering has resulted in huge increases in pesticide use and residues in our food. Americans need to wake up to the secret changes chemical companies are making to our food and demand transparency in food labeling. The goal of our special 'GMO Info' label is to educate the public on the importance of mandatory GMO labeling, and encourage everyone to educate, donate, volunteer, and become involved at both the state and national levels in the growing movement to label genetically engineered foods," says David Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. "In America, we have the right to information about the foods we buy and consume: sodium and fat levels, whether flavors and additives are artificial, whether salmon is wild or farm raised, what country a food comes from. We should also know if food is genetically engineered to make informed decisions about what we eat and feed our families."

Last year, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps joined a diverse, grassroots coalition of consumer groups, health advocates and environmentalists in California in support of Proposition 37. Pesticide and junk food manufacturers spent over $44 million to narrowly defeat the initiative with deceptive advertising. Despite its defeat, Proposition 37 sparked a national movement for the right to know whether foods contain GMOs, with states around the country considering or enacting legislation to do so. Connecticut and Maine have already passed GMO labeling laws, which, as stipulated in the legislation, will go into effect once at least five more New England states also pass such laws. Washington state is the next battleground, with major agricultural sectors concerned that unlabeled genetically engineered wheat, apples, and salmon will compromise consumer trust in these foods.  Genetically engineered wheat recently found in Oregon has disrupted US wheat exports to Korea and Japan, which are among the 64 countries that already require GMO labeling.

"Chemical companies genetically engineer DNA from bacteria into food crops to either produce or tolerate the pesticides they sell," explains Bronner. "Overuse of pesticide is creating resistant superweeds and superbugs, which leads to more pesticides being sprayed. Now chemical companies like Monsanto and Dow are engineering resistance in food crops to much more toxic weed killers like Dicamba and 2,4-D, the main ingredient in Agent Orange," Bronner concludes.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps' commitment to healthy and sustainable agriculture, corporate accountability, and consumers' right to know is part of the company's mission to put into practice the social and ecological principles that inform Dr. Bronner's philosophy printed on the company's iconic soap labels.

For further information on Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, including a list of stores featuring the special 'GMO Info' labels, please visit: http://www.drbronner.com.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/07/17/5028798/dr-bronners-transforms-iconic.html#storylink=cpy

ESCONDIDO, Calif., July 17, 2013: Dr. Bronner's Transforms Iconic Soap Label into Agitprop to Support GMO Labeling & Yes on I-522 Campaign in Washington | PRNewswire | Rock Hill Herald Online:

Mom's Across America Cross Country Trip Mission Viejo, CA to Washington, DC - Google Maps

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Mission Viegjo, CA to Washington, DC - Google Maps:


Press Release: MEDIA ALERT: FOUNDER OF MOMS ACROSS AMERICA HITS THE ROAD TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT - The Honeycutt Family Coast-To-Coast Tour To Demand GMO Labeling so Moms Can Make an Informed Choice About What they Feed Their Families


Founder Zen Honeycutt is headed cross country from CA to CT with her family to spread the word about GMOs! Kathleen Hallal is headed from CA to WA to cover more ground. Together we will reach thousands with the help of our sponsors' flyers, samples, books, movies and coupons.



Thanks to the CA State Grange and Label GMOs and sponsors NYR Organic, Dr. Bronners, Nature's Path. Organic Valley, Nutivia, Jeffery M. Smith of Institute of Responsible Technology, Robyn O'Brien author of  "The UnHealthy Truth," ProImageSigns.com and OMG, ohmygreen.con the all NON GMO and Organic online grocery store.

We are meeting up with supporters, Moms clubs, radio and organic farmers and GMOs in America. Stay tuned for regular posts!


Press Release: Moms Across America Appeal to Monsanto by Publishing an Open Letter and Coordinating Nationwide Events on July 4, 2013 Moms Across America are publishing an open letter to Hugh Grant, Monsanto Board Members, and Staff regarding the hazards of GMOs and increased pesticide use.

Itinerary

• June 22 day and night OC- Las Vegas for lunch - 4 hr dr- there from 11:30-2:00 LV- Zion Virgin Utah, - booked 2 .20 mins (Photo: Nick Brannigan)
• June 23 day and night Zion to Bryce Canyon Utah-lunch 2 hours  8am Bryce to Mesa Verde 6. 5 hours Mesa Verde  eve stay at Cortez KOA -booked 4 pm Mesa Verde  6pm
• June 24th day and night Leave Cortez 9-Durango 10:30  Alamosa lunch- hot springs  2hrs 49 min - 1:15 WOOFer at Wahatoya 3:30
• June 25th day and night Pueblo in the 9 am- 1 hour Lunch Colorado Springs 44 min Stay in Denver winding river resort-booked - 1 hour
• June 26th am to nigh Denver CO all day
• June 27 day and night Denver 8am to 12:30 WaKeeny KS 4 .5 hr dr-  lunch, Salina stop- 1:30- 3:30 2 hr dr- stay for 3 hours, Salina to Topeka 3:30-5pm  -KOA-booked 1. 30 hr dr
• June 28 day and night , Topeka - St Loius 4 hrs- Monsanto- St Louis ( capital and Monsanto) hotel night -booked hotel
• June 29 day and night, St Louis- Springfield IL  9:30-1.40 min dr  ( capital) lunch 11:30 Springfield- Chicago  3.5 hr dr -in at 3 pm
• June 30 day and eve Chicago- 
• July 1 day to eve pack lunch 9 am - 2 pm Chicago to Cleveland 5 hr dr Cleveland run around stop 2 hrs to Pittsburg PA 2 hr dr.- 4-5pm hotel booked
• July 2 and eve- to Lancaster PA 9 am to 12 3 hours- lunch See Amish country- 3 hrs WOOFER farm 3 pm work 2-3 hrs
• July 3 day NYC Lancaster to NYC  3 hrs - day lunch time Stay one night?
• July 4th go to parade by 10 am leave 6 am - to get in 10am  then CT Voluntown eve

Return

CT to DC

DC to Maryland

Maryland to VA

VA to NC

NC to SC