Proponents of the measure argued that "Oregonians should have the right to know what they are eating." They repeated the belief of some activists that genetic engineering of food poses a potential threat to health and safety. (See frankenfood.) Proponents also ridiculed the cost estimates of the law brought by the measure's opponents.[1] Proponents hoped that an Oregon labelling law would spark debate about the use of GMOs in food and eventually a nationwide labelling system.
Opponents aruged that Oregon's agricultural industry would be burdened by excessive costs if the measure were to pass, given the lack of such a requirement throughout the rest of the United States. In addition, opponents noted the lack of evidence that GMO foods posed a danger to human health.[1] Monsanto, an agricultrual company whose products comprise 70% of the GMO market, donated $1.5 million to the effort against the measure.[1]
See also: List of Oregon ballot measures
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