make a dif ference

youris power.

Did you know

A GMO refers to a Genetically Modified Organism. This genetic material has been altered in a laboratory using genetic engineering techniques. It is not

natural. GM foods have undergone ZERO long-term safety testing. Current animal feeding tests have shown worrying health effects. Yet, GMO foods continue to line our grocery store shelves. What’s even worse, there is no law in the United States that requires GMO food labeling. What you don’t know....could kill you.

WHY DOES IT AFFECT you?

Did you know

Organic Farming Research Foundation is a group that cultivates organic research,

education, and federal policy in order to bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. Founded in 1990, OFRF is a leading champion of American organic family farmers.

Giant agri-corporations want to keep us all in the dark about whether the food

they produce contains ingredients that have been genetically modified. That’s why they are spending tens of millions of dollars to oppose Proposition 37, which would require not only that foods containing GMOs be labeled, but that any such products would no longer be allowed to be labeled as “natural”.

where we grow champions in Congress and federal agencies

where we work to integrate organic farming programs into all agricultural universities

to expand the adoption of organic farming and practices while addressing urgent issues faced by many organic farmers in America

to cultivate a broader and deeper connection among organic supporters

POLICY

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

GRANTMAKING

AREAS OF FOCUS

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FARM BILL BACKGROUND

Initiated in 1916, The Farm Bill is typically reauthorized every five years.

The Farm Bill has a major impact on farmers, consumers, rural communities, the natural environment, the 40-plus million people receiving food assistance, and global agribusiness.

Congress undertakes its work on the 2012 Farm Bill in the midst of a budget deficit that set the course of federal agriculture and food assistance programs for the next five years.

Written with broad input from food groups, business, science,

legal, and health experts, Prop. 37 requires clear labels letting consumers know if foods are genetically modified. We already have food labels showing nutrition, allergy information, and other facts consumers want to know.

This measure simply adds information telling us if food is produced using genetic engineering. Despite claims that Prop 37 would “ban the sale of thousands of groceries,” it would not ban any foods at all. It merely requires that GMO-containing foods be labeled with the phrase “partially produced with genetic engineering” anywhere on the front or back of packages.

PROP 37 BACKGROUND

“We build the vital infrastructure that supports the success of organic farmers”

Every five years, Congress passes a bundle of legislation, commonly called the “Farm Bill” that sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and

forestry policy. The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 (S. 3240) represents the most significant reforms in agricultural policy in decades. The bill ends direct payments, streamlines and consolidates programs, and reduces the deficit by $23 billion. It also strengthens top priorities that help farmers, ranchers, and small business owners continue to grow our economy.

WHY IT MATTERSOrganic Agriculture provides economic opportunity for farmers and ranchers across the nation

The organic sector has experienced strong and consistent growth, even in difficult economic times

An investment in research underpins the continued growth in organic

Farmers and ranchers need research to successfully grow and market organic food

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PROPOSITION37Proposition 37 gives us the right

to know what is in the food we eat and feed to our families. It simply requires labeling of food produced using genetic engineering, so we can choose whether to buy those products or not. We have a right to know.

Requires labeling of food sold to consumers made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways. Prohibits marketing such food, or other processed food, as “natural.”

Unfortunately, you can’t! Not unless you live in California. California is the only state that will be seeing Proposition 37. Why are states turning a blind eye to this issue?

It’s because we need more support. The Organic Research Foundation is the leading non-profit organization committed to spreading the knowledge of Organic Farming while expanding the production of natural food.

This motion starts with you. OFRF’s mission is to put knowledge in the hands of consumers...that way they will take action.

WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND

OFRF builds the vital infrastructure that supports the success of

organic farmers. Every day, we represent the voice of America’s organic family farmers in government. Our leadership in organic policy yields support through Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state governments. OFRF’s unique strategy directs advocacy on Capitol Hill and regional grassroots throughout America. We are joined by thousands of advocates, just like you, who are committed to making organic farming the leading form of agriculture in America.

Support our local farmers - 2012

So, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

It’s really simple. Spread the word! Now, more than ever, we need political support

for organic agriculture. We need policy that requires the labeling of genetically modified food. In order to get that done, we need to more individuals to contact their legislature. Believe it or not, policy makers love to hear from their constituents and they need to hear your organic voice.

Donate. OFRF serves organic farmers through generous contributions from

all kinds of people and organizations. While we think our work is great here at OFRF, there is never any confusion about how it is facilitated. When you support organic farmers, you are building a healthier world for all families in America. You don’t have to just donate money, your time and efforts to spread the word make a tremendous difference.

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www.ofrf.org