But genetic engineering alters the natural immune system and growth of plants, introducing foreign fungus or laboratory DNA to make plants poisonous or unpalatable to pests, disease or weeds. The effect on insects or people with allergies or sensitive digestive tracts is unknown, Cannard said. Caterpillars of Monarch butterflies have died after consuming pollen from genetically altered corn species that contain toxins for pests, including the European corn borer, according to the journal Nature. If genetically modified foods are labeled, Cannard said, people can vote with their wallets and let market forces dictate whether farmers use the altered seeds. If these were drugs, it would take 20 years before release.
Drugs affect small quantities of people, but food affects many more people on the mass market.
His all-volunteer campaign has harnessed the power of the Internet with a Web site explaining the scope and purpose of the proposed initiative. If successful, this campaign would be the first to qualify an initiative using the Internet, according to Alfie Charles at the secretary of state's office. The Internet helps hold down printing and mailing costs, giving people access to the petitions without the expense of hiring signature gatherers. By March 6, signatures from 419,260 registered voters are needed to place the initiative on the ballot. While a political novice when it comes to initiatives, Cannard said the effort is worthwhile to educate people about genetically engineered foods.