Thursday, January 16, 2014

A defense against mandatory GMO labeling.

I am against any mandated action to label foods that use GMO products.
Now let me explain my reasoning.

There are many people that will yell at the top of their lungs, "We have a right to know what's in our food!", and of course they are correct. But they are not correct to assume that they can legislate compliance by food manufacturers through the use of government force. The business owners ultimately have rights to run their company they see fit. Through the means of market pressure these GMO activists can call for a protest of these products and can change company procedure in that way. The use of government to create laws and mandates on business owners and producers always has the effect of raising prices, lowering production or altogether closing a company up for good. This reduces market choice for everyone, even those that do not care whether their foods have GMO's in them or not. Your right to know doesn't supersede their right to not care.

Also, as an individual you have the right to produce your own foods. By planting foods you and your family or neighbors consume you now have taken back control of knowing whats in your food. Local farmers markets are full of people that have started small scale farms and home businesses off of this very platform, why can't you? This is quite possibly the best alternative to retailers as you can create a relationship directly with the producer, sometimes able to barter for goods and supporting local economies.

I am not advocating the use of GMO's in any way, I look at them the same as those activists, but I refuse to try and impose my want on any business by government force.

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