It’s not quite like a pie in the face or mashed potatoes on the cafeteria ceiling, but Oregonians can still expect a food fight come November. The state seems poised to be the first in the nation to vote on a labeling law for genetically modified foods, now that the backers of the initiative, Oregon Concerned Citizens for Safe Foods, have turned in enough signatures to get the issue on the ballot. If the measure is approved by voters, few food growers and makers would be left unaffected. The group says the initiative is a consumer-rights measure. Opponents, including the Grocery Manufacturers of America, the Oregon Grocery Industry Association, Associated Oregon Industries, and the farm lobby, say it is an anti-agriculture bill that would jack up prices, put Oregon at a competitive disadvantage, and hurt consumers and businesses alike.
