A majority of California voters said they support Proposition 37, a November ballot initiative that would require new labels for genetically engineered foods, according to a poll released Monday, Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" reports.
The poll was conducted by agricultural economists at Oklahoma State University.
Key Poll Findings
The poll found that 76.8% of voters said they plan to vote "yes" on Proposition 37. However, 46% of those individuals said they would vote against the measure if it increased food prices.
According to the poll, support for the measure also dropped when respondents were shown an advertisement opposing Prop. 37.
Implications
"Capitol Alert" reports that state residents likely will be exposed to more ads against Prop. 37 in the weeks before the November election.
Opponents of the measure -- which include companies that make pesticides and genetically engineered seeds, as well as major soda and snack food companies like Pepsi and Nestle -- have raised $34.5 million. Meanwhile, supporters of the measure -- which include organic food companies -- have raised $4.6 million (Rosenhall, "Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 10/1).