Oregon Measure 27, Labeling of Genetically-Engineered Foods Initiative (2002)
| Oregon Measure 27 | |
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| Election date |
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| Topic Business regulations and Food policy |
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| Status |
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| Type Initiated state statute |
Origin |
Oregon Measure 27 was on the ballot as an initiated state statute in Oregon on November 5, 2002. It was defeated.
A "yes" vote supported requiring "Genetically-Engineered" label on sold or distributed foods derived from or processed using genetically-engineered material. |
A "no" vote opposed requiring "Genetically-Engineered" label on sold or distributed foods derived from or processed using genetically-engineered material. |
Election results
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Oregon Measure 27 |
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| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 371,851 | 29.54% | ||
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886,806 | 70.46% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for Measure 27 was as follows:
| “ | REQUIRES LABELING OF GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED FOODS (AS DEFINED) SOLD OR DISTRIBUTED IN OR FROM OREGON RESULT OF “YES” VOTE: “Yes” vote requires labeling of foods derived from or processed using genetically-engineered (as defined) materials with label prepared by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. RESULT OF “NO” VOTE: “No” vote rejects requiring labeling of foods derived from or processed using genetically-engineered (as defined) materials with label prepared by Oregon Department of Agriculture. SUMMARY: Requires label stating “Genetically Engineered” on surface or outside packaging of genetically-engineered foods (as defined) sold or distributed in or from Oregon. Defines “genetically engineered” to mean produced by biological changes to the molecular or cell biology of an organism by means not possible under natural conditions; definition excludes breeding, hybridization, tissue culture, certain other processes. Applies to all foods derived from, or prepared with, genetically-engineered material, regardless of whether that material is present in the final product. Creates additional labeling requirements for genetically-engineered foods whose composition or nutritional value is significantly altered and those resulting from gene transfers from other species to allow those with dietary restrictions to observe those dietary guidelines. Legislature to implement and enforce requirements. Other provisions. ESTIMATE OF FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact of this measure on state and local government expenditures cannot be determined because the Legislative Assembly must act to carry out this measure. There is no impact on state or local revenues. (The State Treasurer dissents from this estimate.) | ” |
Full Text
The full text of this measure is available here.
Path to the ballot
An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.
In Oregon, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 6% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.
See also
External links
Footnotes
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State of Oregon Salem (capital) |
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