Consumers in the state are hoping to start a wave of support across the country for food labeling laws, signaling to shoppers which foods contain genetically modified organisms (often called GMOs). But, in order for the movement to gain traction, it first needs to come to a vote in Massachusetts.

The Genetic Engineering Transparency Food and Seed Labeling Act (Bill H. 3242) is currently under review by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and advocates are trying to rally support by mid-March.

On Tuesday night, Rachel Medeiros, a campaign organizer with MA Right to Know, updated Grange members with the latest on the bill. Right to Know is part of a national organization, Citizens for GMO Labeling, whose goal is to make GMO labeling mandatory on food products.

The bill was introduced in January 2015, and this past September, the committee heard testimony from consumers regarding food labeling.

The bill would require that all food for sale in the state be labeled as being “produced with genetic engineering” or “partially produced with genetic engineering.” Genetically modified organisms, whereby the genetic material of a living organism is altered in a lab through genetic engineering, has remained controversial since the technology was developed in the 1980s.

Supporters argue that the use of genetically modified crops will help sustain and feed Earth’s ever increasing population by lowering the cost of food. Detractors argue that the safety of such crops is uncertain.

While the FDA has not made it mandatory for manufacturers to label genetically modified foods, The Campbell Soup Company took a firm position on this debate early last month.

In a letter on Campbell’s website, President Denise Morrison announced the company’s “support for mandatory national labeling of products that may contain genetically modified organisms.”

However, Campbell’s opposes the current push for state action.

“…Although we believe that consumers have the right to know what’s in their food, we also believe that a state-by-state piecemeal approach is incomplete, impractical and costly to implement for food makers. More importantly, it’s confusing to consumers,” Morrison wrote.

Vermont, one of the first states to pass a mandatory labeling law, is already coming under fire. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2016, but industry groups have already filed suit, claiming the law violates commerce law. Maine and Connecticut have successfully passed GMO labeling laws, but they will only go into effect if other states enact similar statutes.

“This is a small step. Hopefully once several states start passing these laws, more states will pass them, and we can have a national standard,” said Medeiros.

There are about 60 countries in the world that require labeling. Countries such as Russia and Germany have banned the use of genetically modified crops altogether. Beyond the politics, Medeiros said that labeling is primarily a consumer rights issue.

“Consumer choice is a must. Just like people want to know how much sugar they’re eating or how much sodium they’re getting, we want people to be able to know if they’re eating GMOs and choose to avoid them if they want to or choose to consume them if they want to,” said Medeiros.

She said that, for those concerned about labeling, right now is a critical time to contact Representative Paul Schmid, who’s serving as chair of the committee.

“We need the bill to get out the committee. We want it to get voted on,” she said. “Once [Schmid] sees that it’s a priority for his constituents, that’s what’s going to make him move.”

Marty Dagoberto, a campaign coordinator with MA Right to Know, provided a list of local farms and businesses in support of the legislation, which includes Round the Bend Farm, Alderbrook Farm and Little Moss Restaurant.

During the presentation, Sam Manley, the president of the Dartmouth Grange said he recently contacted Schmid.

“I think he just needs to hear from a few more people,” said Manley. “You don’t have to be from his district. He doesn’t have to be your rep, but he needs to get that message.”

For those interested in voicing your opinion on GMO labeling, Representative Schmid can be contacted at 617-722-2210 or via email at Paul.Schmid@mahouse.gov.