Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is wrong on many fronts, but when it comes to the issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the Senator from Vermont is a breath of fresh air. He was one of the first and few politicians to fight for GMO labeling and consistently stand up for the rights of local farmers. Meanwhile, the bio-tech giant Monsanto has continued to make billions of dollars a year under the Obama administration.

“All over Europe, we’ve got dozens and dozens of countries which do label GMO products. We should be able to do that in the United States as well, ” said Sanders.

“I think all over this country, people want to know the quality of the food they’re eating and what they’re giving to their kids is good quality. We just don’t know all that much about genetically modified food.”

“I believe that when a mother goes to the store and purchases food for her child, she has the right to know what she is feeding her child. It’s no mystery why Monsanto would fight people’s right to know. Clearly, they have a lot to protect.”

Sanders stands up for local farmers and state rights

Monsanto has been able to stop legislation that would require the mandatory labeling of GMOs by paying politicians millions of dollars. On the other side of the table, Sanders helped pass legislation that protects local farmers with the Farm Bill in 2014. In addition, he has advocated state choice for GMO labeling; although, he doesn’t think GMOs are intrinsically evil.

Unfortunately, Sanders’ amendment was defeated by 71 to 27 in the Senate, despite the fact that approximately 93 percent of Americans are in favor of GMO labeling. European countries, on the other hand, have adopted GMO labeling laws. Scotland even tried to ban GMO crops altogether.

Sanders also supported the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011. The bill would provide better opportunities for start up farmers and launch responsible environmental provisions.

Bernie added, “Monsanto and other companies are saying states can’t do it. It is a federal prerogative. My amendment said if California, Vermont, Connecticut, other states want to go forward, they should have the right.”

Vermont to be first state in the country to require GMO labeling

Furthermore, Vermont will be the first state in the country that requires GMO labeling. In wake of a legal battle with Monsanto, Vermont’s mandatory labeling laws will begin July 1st, 2016.

“I am very proud that Vermont is taking the lead in a growing national movement to allow the people of our country to know what is in the food they eat. GMO labeling exists in dozens of countries around the world and should exist in the United States,” Sanders said.

“I will continue my efforts in Washington, against Monsanto and other multi-national food industry corporations, to pass national legislation on this issue. In the meantime, it is extremely important that Vermont and other states lead the way,” Sanders said.

“An overwhelming majority of Americans favor GMO labeling but virtually all of the major biotech and food corporations in the country oppose it.” says Sanders. “The people of Vermont and the people of America have a right to know what’s in the food that they eat.”

Sanders made his stance on GMOs crystal clear in an interview with CNN a couple year’s a go as seen in the video below.

Sources include:

(1) IQuestionEverything.net

(2) Upriser.com

(3) FeelTheBern.org