Marshfield Farmer’s Market GMO Information
GMO labeling and knowledge are fast becoming a hot topic around the nation and
particularly so with young mothers, foodies, and women over 40. These groups make
up the vast majority of farmers’ market customers. Therefore, our market is staying
abreast of this and assuring our own knowledge of this topic regardless of whether you
sell food items or not.
Here are some resources:
Basic info: http://responsibletechnology.org/gmo-basics/gmos-in-food
10 minute movie remix (FREE):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB5EBFUwaw0
You may borrow the full length movie from market (free) or watch on-line for a few
dollars.
You should be able to answer the following questions:
What does GMO mean? ______________________________________________
How is it different from cross breeding or hybrids?
__________________________________
What are the health risks associated with GMOs in food?
_____________________________
ALL of the following are likely to be a GMO, or to contain GMO ingredients
UNLESS certified organic or independently verified non-GMO.
Corn, Corn Starch, Corn-anything - unless organic
Soybeans, Soy Lecithin, Soy Sauce, Soybean Oil, Soy-anything (unless organic)
Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Artic Apples
Farmed Salmon
Canola & Rapeseed products
Cottonseed Oil
Xanthan Gum
Aspartame (all is GMO)
Baking Powder, Baking Soda
Extracts used in baking, unless organic
Molasses, unless organic
Rennet (used in hard cheese)
Dairy products unless no growth hormones and no GMO feed, or organic
Sugar (unless 100% pure cane sugar or organic)
Mangos
Alfalfa (in animal feed)
This Non-GMO pledge agreement is posted at the farmers’ market
and signed by the vendors. Those who meet the requirements will,
additionally, receive a “Seal” indicating GMO free items. Only
produce/meat/fish is required to be non-GMO, but it is encouraged
for all and will increase the value of the market to customers.
Dear Customers,
All vendors at this market have been provided materials regarding
genetically engineered foods and are strongly encouraged to learn what
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are and the risks they contribute to
today’s food, health, and environment. Eliminating GMOs is a process that is
not easy and sometimes prohibitively expensive. Marshfield’s vendors’
pledge to you is:
As a produce farmer . . . I will not sell any GMO produce, therefore I am
awarded the “Marshfield Pledges no-GMOs Inside” seal. I am aware of
genetically modified seeds and have checked my sources to assure I am not
using GMO seeds/ plants. All of my produce and plant offerings will be
GMO-free.
As a prepared food vendor. . . I am aware of food ingredients containing
hidden sources of GMOs. If I have replaced those items with either organic
or verified non-GMO sources I am awarded the “Marshfield Pledges no-GMOs
Inside” seal.
As a fisherman or farmer selling fish, meat, eggs, or dairy. . . I will
not sell a farmed GMO-fish (wild-caught fish are assumed GMO-free). I am
aware of the potential of GMOs in the feeds of our animals, the potential
effects on them, and potential secondary exposure to consumers of animal
products. I am doing my best to eliminate GMOs from the feeds used. If I
am able to eliminate all sources of GMOs from my animals’ diets I am
awarded the “Marshfield Pledges no-GMOs Inside” seal.
As a vendor of cosmetic or home products . . . I am aware of the
ingredients that contain hidden sources of GMOs and I assure those items
are either organic or verified non-GMO sources in order to earn the
“Marshfield Pledges no-GMOs Inside” seal.
Signatures to follow here