Managing
Managing the Non-GMO Message
By Megan Westgate,
Executive Director,
The Non-GMO Project
Today more than ever, it’s critical for every- one, and every business, to help get the word out about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). But what is the best way to
go about it? Is it better to say “genetically engineered” (GE) or “GMO”? Do people want
to hear about the health risks of GMOs? What
is the best definition of a genetically modified
organism, anyway? These are a few of the
questions that the
“Non-GMO Communication
Toolkit” sets out to
answer.
The idea was
born at a meeting
of non-GMO industry and NGO leaders in Boulder, CO,
last June, where developing consistent
communication on
the GMO issue was
deemed a top priority. Research shows
that for the non-GMO message to
be successful, simplicity and consistency in communications is essential.
Yet, with the extreme complexity
of the subject and the grassroots nature of the
non-GMO movement, this is not an easy thing
to achieve. To address this challenge, campaigns like Just Label It and the CA Right to
Know Act have funded professional research
in the form of media analysis, surveys, focus
groups and polling.
According to a recently released political
opinion survey on GMO food labeling con-
ducted by The Mellman Group on behalf of
the Just Label It campaign, consumer support
for GMO-foods labeling in the U.S. is nearly
unanimous.
“Few topics other than motherhood and
apple pie can muster over 90 percent support,
but labeling GE foods is one of those few
views held almost unanimously,” explains pollster Mark Mellman.
The survey found nearly all Democrats (93
percent favor, 2 percent oppose), independents (90 percent favor, 5 percent oppose) and
Republicans (89 percent favor, 5 percent oppose) in favor of labeling.
The study also revealed that support for labeling is robust and arguments against it have
little sway. (For the survey findings, visit justla-
belit.org/faqs/.)
The Just Label It campaign recently released a new survey and developed two powerful infographics based on these findings to help partnering organizations spread
the message. This is the newest graphic, which reflects the final number of people
who signed the petition. You can download it at: justlabelit.org/wp-content/
uploads/2012/03/JLI_infographic_ final_march27.jpg.
