Clo Says “No” to GMO
The prevalence of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in our foodshed has been getting a lot of press recently, and rightfully so. The ball really started rolling last November when Proposition 37, the “Just Label It” initiative, sparked spirited debate over ad campaigns backed by biotech giant Monsanto, which left the majority of voters confused and uncertain about what to believe.
Though the initiative was narrowly defeated at the polls, it was ultimately successful in raising awareness and opened the barn door for further discussions on this important issue. Prior to Proposition 37, the presence of GMOs in food was largely unknown to the general public–even though approximately 80% of the foods we consume contain GMO ingredients.
At Clover Stornetta, providing superior quality dairy products to our customers has always been of paramount importance. We pride ourselves on leading by example, and have proved time and again that we set the standard when it comes to excellence in our industry. We know the GMO issue is important to our customers, and that’s why we’ve gone the extra mile to insure our products will continue to be what you choose to put on your family table.
To that end, we’re excited to announce that Clover Organic Farms fluid dairy line just became Non-GMO Project Verified! This non-profit organization offers the only independent third-party verification process in North America. The Non-GMO Project Verified seal assures consumers that the product was produced in accordance with rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance. Becoming certified is just another way we help our customers make informed choices and get the peace of mind they seek in food labeling.
This isn’t the first time Clo has gone hoof to toe with Monsanto. In 1994 representatives from that company came to Petaluma and called a meeting with then Clover President & CEO, Dan Benedetti. They arrived at the table touting a newly developed wonder drug: rBST–a synthetic growth hormone designed to artificially stimulate milk production in dairy cows–and tried to persuade him that it would “increase profits and revolutionize the dairy industry as we know it.”
Though many in the industry jumped aboard, Clover Stornetta turned them down flat.
Dan believed then, as we still do today, that the superior quality of our products and the health of our dairy cows cannot be compromised. We will remain steadfast in the commitment we’ve made to provide our customers with the highest quality, best tasting dairy products on the market.
Whether developing rigorous guidelines for sustainability, humane husbandry, or becoming Non-GMO verified, Clover’s brand has always been the cream that rises to the top. Look for this new seal soon on the label of all eight of our fluid organic dairy products: Vitamin D Milk, Low Fat Milk, Reduced Fat Milk, Fat Free Milk, Heavy Whipping Cream, Half and Half, Low Fat Lactose Free Milk, and Reduced Fat Lactose Free Milk.
