When it comes to GMO, we have a right to know. As a compendium to the upcoming TEDxManhattan event in NYC on February 18th, Erin Fairbanks chats with one of the featured speakers, Gary Hirshberg, Chairman of Stonyfield Farm. Tune in for a conversation on the politics surrounding GMO crops, including labeling, farming and public perception. Get an inside take on where things stand after years of advocacy and momentum, and find out why Gary thinks we're closer than ever to securing our right to know when it comes to GMO's in our food.

"We ultimately have a need for federal solution, the thought we will solve this on a sate by state basis is [unrealistic]." 07:00

"It's now a question of when, not if, we get the same rights that citizens in China and Russia have [regarding labeling and GMO's]. 11:00

--Gary Hirshberg, Chairman of Stonyfield Farm

Leah Eden calls Patty Lovera from Food & Water Watch to talk about the new federal legislation that was introduced that would require the labeling of all genetically-engineered foods. Tune into this HRN Community Session to learn more about what food products would be labeled under the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. Patty talks about the possibility of genetically-engineered fish entering the market, and how that affects certain food regulations. Learn a little history about health labeling for food in the United States, and hear why GMO products can so easily sneak their way into your otherwise healthy meal. To find out more information about the bill check out www.FoodandWaterWatch.org and to show your support for this bill head over to Center for Food Safety’s online letter. This program has been sponsored by Route 11 Potato Chips. Thanks to Obey City for today's sounds.

"A lot of the genetically-engineered foods that we come across are hidden... sugar from GMO sugar beets, or oils that might be genetically-engineered." [14:00] -- Patty Lovera of Food & Water Watch

Bob is the director of Food for Maine's Future and a family farmer living in Sedgwick, Maine. He serves on the boards of the National Family Farm Coalition and Family Farm Defenders. As an activist and farmer living near East Penobscot Bay, Bob identifies with peasant and indigenous people worldwide who struggle to maintain access to land on which to grow their food. In his food sovereignty advocacy he has initiated a seedsaving campaign and writes frequently on the need to oppose the patenting of seeds and other life forms. He spends much of his time these days trying to stop state and federal agencies from shutting down farms in his community. This episode is sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"Rural communities have been feeding themselves for a long time and offering sales to neighbors and markets. . . and that is an important part of the local economy."

--Bob St. Peter on Greenhorn Radio