Welcome to the lovely fall season!  This is the time of year for harvests, when hard-working farmers bring in the staple crops that are the very foundation of our survival.  Yet this foundation has been eroded by industrial farming methods that include pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).  With grass roots efforts in mind to help bring about awareness, we are celebrating this October as the third annual, official Non-GMO Month! It’s a chance to help spread the word about what is happening in our food supply, and to showcase efforts underway to require foods with GMO or GE (Genetically Engineered) ingredients to say it on their labels.  This November, California citizens will be voting on just such a measure, known as Prop 37. Although GMO crops are banned or regulated, or at the very least require labeling, in 49 countries, if passed the California law would be the first of its kind in America.  Although GMO/GE crops have not been proven safe for human or animal consumption, they show up in a vast amount of processed foods, from corn-based ingredients to soy in baby formula.  Prop 37 does not ask for a ban or even regulation, it simply requires food manufacturers to label their products that contain GMO/GE ingredients.  It’s seems a little crazy that by law orange juice manufacturer’s must state on the package when it is from concentrate, but we do not require labeling when the actual DNA of a plant (or animal – GMO salmon is coming) has been altered.  Let’s ask for this basic right, the right to know what we are consuming, and to know what we are paying for when we make our daily food choices.  You can find out more about the ‘Yes on 37’ campaign here.  If you’d like to find out about the national movement, please go to the ‘Just Label It’ website.

Until we get this basic right to have our food properly labeled, it’s important to do some research.  One way to avoid GMO’s is to look for USDA certified organic produce and products.  This certification does not allow for GMO ingredients.  You can also look for the Non-GMO Verified Project seal.  All Coconut Bliss products are organic, but we have also taken the step to be Non-GMO verified so there is no confusion for our customers. As we update our packaging we are adding this seal to our labels.  Currently, it only appears on our four newest flavors, Ginger Cookie Caramel, Chocolate Walnut Brownie, Mocha Maca Crunch, and Luna Berry Swirl. The Non-GMO Verified Project website is a great place to get information and find many other Non-GMO products.

Let’s celebrate this month of harvests and work towards a future where we have informed choices about the foods that sustain us, and the special treats that make us smile.