For related articles and information, please visit OCA’s Genetic Engineering page, Millions Against Monsanto page, Oregon News page and our Washington News page.

During last year’s I-522 ballot campaign to label genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Washington State, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) came up with a devious, and illegal, money-laundering scheme to protect the identity of members who donated funds to the opposing campaign.

You might remember that several major food companies experienced major backlash from consumers when their contributions to the 2012 anti-labeling campaign in California (Prop. 37) came to light, and those donating to the Washington campaign certainly wanted to avoid the same fate.

Unfortunately, this illegal move helped the GMA defeat I-522 (by a mere one percent margin), but they did get their just deserts  the GMA was sued by Attorney General Bob Ferguson in 2013, who accused them of intentional money laundering and violating state campaign disclosure laws.

Several developments have happened since then, including the GMA trying to sue a state (twice) – a motion that was recently rejected. More on that shortly; first let’s take a look at some of GMA’s sordid history.