In a recent editorial, Mr. Richard Ha accused me [owner of Island Naturals Markets and State Senator from Puna and Ka’u] of conflict of interest because I speak out about GMO issues, claiming I have no right to express my opinion or to vote on such issues because I am in the natural foods business. According to him, my comments about GMOs will unfairly benefit my business.
Logically Mr. Ha has it exactly backwards. If my advocacy were to somehow be fully successful GMOs would be labeled, as is desired by 90 percent of the population. When that happens, every consumer will be able to choose safe non-GMO food in every supermarket, and have less need for a natural food store.
Read the full, original article: Sen. Russell Ruderman: Am I Allowed To Speak?
