A Call for Transparency in the Food System: Case Studies of
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Labeling Initiatives in
the Northeast, U.S.
Sara Velardi, Ph.D. Student, SUNY-ESF
ABSTRACT
The introduction of biotechnology into our food system by means of the development of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has ignited fierce debate about the moral,
ethical and safety issues behind the application of this technology. Opponents of the
technology call for a mandatory GMO label on all food products. While a U.S. federal
labeling bill is stagnant in Congress, initiatives for GMO labeling have emerged
throughout the U.S. on a state-by-state basis. The Northeast is a particularly interesting
geographic area because a state-wide GMO labeling law was passed in Vermont and
partially in Connecticut and Maine. This paper looks at state specific case studies in the
Northeast including Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New York where
there has been a range of activity surrounding the formation of GMO labeling policy. We
take a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews with activist groups and farmers
as well as document analysis of oral testimony from statewide public hearings to gain
an understanding of the ways in which various stakeholders frame the issue of GMOs
and GMO labeling in their specific state. We looked at how stakeholders frame risks
associated with GMOs and solutions to identify connections between types of framing
and success in passing a labeling law. This research is intended to help our
understanding of the role of different actors in statewide GMO labeling policy formation
and possibly predict the trajectory of other state-wide GMO labeling initiatives in the
future.
BIOGRAPHY
Sara Velardi is a Ph.D. student at State University of New York School of Environmental
Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) in Syracuse, New York studying environmental and natural
resources policy. Her research focuses on perceptions of genetically modified foods and policy
surrounding the regulation and labeling of GMOs. Her pervious master’s research focused on
science educators’ professional development in environmental education.
th
8 Annual NYS Biotechnology Symposium
- May 19 & 20, 2016 -