Farm Bureau posts positions on propositions

Opposition to the controversial November ballot proposition that would require labels on genetically modified foods highlights the California Farm Bureau Federation's positions on state initiatives, which the organization posted today on its website.

From the CFBF:

Describing it as a poorly written measure with serious implications for family farmers and ranchers, the California Farm Bureau Federation reaffirmed its opposition to a food labeling initiative on the November ballot as it announced positions on the other measures facing voters this fall.

Proposition 37 would ban foods containing genetically engineered materials unless they carried a special, California-only label. It would also prohibit most processed foods from being labeled as "natural"; the measure's provisions would be enforced for the most part by private attorneys suing alleged violators.

"Proposition 37 wouldn't do anything to make food safer or more affordable. It would just make California farmers and food businesses less competitive," California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said. "Proposition 37 could force even farmers who don't grow biotech crops to keep extensive records just in case they were sued by a bounty-hunting attorney."

Wenger said the labeling as outlined in Proposition 37 implies a warning and would give people the impression something is wrong with foods made with biotech ingredients.

"Many years of studies have shown that foods made with genetic engineering are safe," he said. "It's irresponsible and confusing to people to require what is essentially a warning label on products that are safe."

Among its other ballot positions, Farm Bureau opposes Proposition 36, which would revise the "three strikes" sentencing law to reduce sentences for repeat offenders convicted of certain non-violent felonies.

"At a time when California farmers and ranchers are plagued by thefts of crops, fuel and anything made of metal, this measure sends the wrong signal to the criminals who prey on our homes and businesses," Wenger said.

The California Farm Bureau Board of Directors considered all 11 measures on the Nov. 6 ballot. The organization's complete list of ballot positions:

Proposition 30 – Temporary Taxes (No Position)

Proposition 31 – State Budget and Local Government NO

Proposition 32 – Restrictions on Political Contributions YES

Proposition 33 – Auto Insurance Pricing (No Position)

Proposition 34 – Death Penalty Repeal (No Position)

Proposition 35 – Human Trafficking YES

Proposition 36 – Three-Strikes Law Revision NO

Proposition 37 – Genetically Engineered Foods NO

Proposition 38 – Tax to Fund Education NO

Proposition 39 – Tax Treatment for Multistate Businesses NO

Proposition 40 – Redistricting Referendum (No Position)

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 74,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.

For my story with more comments from CFBF on Prop. 37, visit CapitalPress.com tomorrow morning. In the meantime, check out Steve Brown's excellent coverage of the initiative here and here.