New Hampshire-based Stonyfield Farm and California’s Clover Stornetta Farms, two organic dairy producers, have withdrawn from a trade group seeking to overturn Vermont’s GMO labeling law.
The companies say they are “under fire” from consumers who support the policy, according to a letter sent to the head of the International Dairy Foods Association.
Vermont’s GMO law would require labeling of certain food products containing genetically engineered ingredients starting in 2016. The IDFA is one of four trade groups that have filed suit against Vermont, arguing the law is unconstitutional.
On July 8, an organic faction appeared within the IDFA when five members sent a letter to the association’s president to express their “deep concern and unhappiness” with IDFA’s decision to participate in the lawsuit.
Horizon Organic, Aurora Organic Dairy and Organic Valley, will retain their membership with the IDFA.
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All five dairies are also members of the Organic Trade Association, a vocal proponent of state GMO labeling initiatives.
Though dairy products are exempt under the law, many producers use sweeteners, such as corn syrup, which often comes from genetically engineered crops. Even a company like WhiteWave, which owns Horizon Organic, has products in its portfolio that contain GMOs, a spokesperson said.
Read full original article: Stonyfield drops out of trade group opposing GMO law
