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A proposal that would require labels on foods containing genetically modified ingredients is on track to go before California voters – and the biotechnology industry, including Creve Coeur-based Monsanto, is already pushing back.

On Wednesday a group called California Right to Know delivered nearly 1 million signatures to state officials, well in excess of the roughly half-million required for a statewide referendum. If the signatures are verified, the measure will go before voters Nov. 6.

“Today we celebrate that almost a million people have spoken up in California,” said Albert Straus CQ, who runs an organic dairy in northern California. “I believe people have the right to know where their food comes from, and if this initiative succeeds in November, we’ll take a big step toward that.”

But the grocery and biotechnology industries have started a formal campaign to push against the measure, saying labels would drive up food prices and open the door for lawsuits against farmers.