Organic Voices Action Fund

In 2017, ovaf continued to push for transparency around gmo labeling. In 2016 congress passed a mandatory gmo labeling bill that was set to go into effect in july 2018. The legislation was broad and left a number of questions up to usda. The goal for ovaf in 2017 was to make sure that usda created strong rules around this new gmo disclosure.in order to do that ovaf encouraged its supporters to reach out to usda demanding that: they label all gmos, the disclosure is ingredient by ingredient, the agency create strong rules around using a digital disclosure and the rules stay on track for release by july 2018. More than 100,000 people emailed usda last year alone demanding these issues be addressed.ovaf worked with members of congress to make sure they were talking with usda to ensure strong gmo rules, as well as members of the Organic and natural food industry to also weigh in with usda and elected officials. Throughout the year ovaf helped connect industry leaders from many different states with their members of congress so that they could hear from people who support mandatory gmo labeling.ovaf also continued to educate consumers on gmos, gmo agriculture, and the increase use of chemicals in our food. With new epa leadership, ovaf also started to weigh in on issues surrounding chemicals in our food. Ovaf connected supporters with the epa to ensure that they continue to create strict regulations around chemicals and food. Education around chemicals in our food was a priority for ovaf in 2017.ovaf also continued its work educating consumers about all things Organic with the only Organic campaign. This campaign is a consumer facing campaign that tells the story of the usda Organic seal and attempts to clear up confusion around labels on food products at the grocery store.