Compass Natural Joins Campaign to Pass California Right to Know

Oakland, CA (May 17, 2012) – Compass Natural, a leading public relations firm specializing in marketing and communications for the natural, organic, sustainable and socially responsible products sector, has joined the California Right to Know initiative calling upon State of California voters to require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. Compass Natural will raise awareness, funding and voter support for the California initiative, which is considered by many to be the best hope in the United States to achieve labeling of genetically engineered foods.

A March 2012 survey conducted by the Mellman Group found that nine out of 10 American voters favor labeling for genetically engineered food, including nearly all Democrats (93%), Independents (90%) and Republicans (89%). More than 40 countries already require this type of labeling. The California Right to Know campaign turned in nearly a million signatures on May 2 to assure that the initiative will be on the state’s November ballot.

“As we build a broad coalition for this important ballot initiative, we are pleased to engage Compass Natural in helping us garner support within the natural, organic and sustainable products community — not only in California, but across the country,” said Stacy Malkan, media director for the California Right to Know initiative.

“In addition to voter support and endorsements by businesses throughout California and the U.S., fundraising will be a crucial part of the campaign,” stated Steven Hoffman, Managing Partner of Compass Natural and the person tasked with building a broad coalition of support for the initiative within the natural, organic and sustainable products industry.

“If recent events are any indication, large industry groups, such as the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Council for Biotechnology Information — whose members include Monsanto, DuPont, Dow and others — will pour funds into fighting the California initiative. We need the resources to ensure that the facts about labeling reach voters, without distortion, so they can make an informed choice when casting their ballot in November,” Hoffman said.

In the past year, lawmakers in 19 states, including New York, Connecticut and Vermont, have introduced bills that would require similar labeling rules, but none have become law, largely due to aggressive lobbying campaigns by companies that are opposed to transparency in the food system.

The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act will be voted on by California voters in November 2012. When passed, the initiative will require foods sold in California retail outlets that contain genetically engineered ingredients to be labeled. “Building a broad coalition is essential to winning the campaign,” stress campaign organizers.

Individuals, businesses and organizations can help in several ways, including donating and volunteering. If you’re a business or organization dedicated to natural, organic and sustainable products, contact Steven Hoffman at Compass Natural, email steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042, to contribute to the campaign and learn more. For information about the California Right to Know 2012 ballot initiative, visit www.carighttoknow.org.

About the California Right to Know 2012 Ballot Initiative. The California Right to Know campaign was created to advocate for the labeling of foods containing genetically engineered ingredients. Major supporters include Public Citizen, Sierra Club, American Public Health Association, United Farm Workers, California Certified Organic Farmers, Organic Consumers Association, Consumer Federation of America, Nature’s Path, Lundberg Family Farms, Organic Valley, Dr. Bronner’s, Eden Foods, Mercola.com, Center for Food Safety, Food Democracy Now!, and many other organizations. For a complete list, visit www.carighttoknow.org/endorsements.

About Compass Natural Marketing. Established by organic and LOHAS industry veteran Steven Hoffman, Boulder, CO-based Compass Natural Marketing brings more than 25 years of experience in natural and organic products sales, marketing, public relations, communications, research, event planning and strategic industry guidance to businesses involved in the $290 billion market for natural, organic, sustainable, and socially responsible products. Visit www.compassnatural.com, contact info@compassnaturalmarketing.com or call 303.807.1042.