Los Angeles will participate in global protest against Monsanto this Saturday, which includeshundreds of cities worldwide. So for those of you planning on spending some time Downtown, be aware that the march is starting at the corner of 5th and S. Hill Street at Pershing Square, and then heading north towards First Street. The final rally will be on First and Spring.
Though the GMO labeling bill didn't pass in the California elections, polls have shown that L.A. shoppers would prefer their produce to be marked as such. What that means for the march is a lot of supporters. What that means for DTLA drivers is a big ol' traffic jam.
Their mission statement says that they're marching in response to what they're calling the "Monsanto Protection Act."
Says the New York Daily News of said Act:
Anonymously slipped into a spending package in March that averted a government shutdown and signed into law by President Obama, the “farmer assurance provision” limits the ability of judges to stop Monsanto or the farmers it sells genetically modified seeds from growing or harvesting those crops even if courts find evidence of potential health risks.
The Monsanto Protection Act is an outrageous example of a special interest loophole,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in a press release. “This provision nullifies the actions of a court that is enforcing the law to protect farmers, the environment and public health. That is unacceptable.”
The asks of the March Against Monsanto are to promote buying of organic, non-GMO products; to have GMO products labeled; and to further research on the long-term impacts of GMOS on health, among others.
The march begins at 11 a.m. and the day's events will go til 5 p.m. You can find out more info on their Facebook page.
