There is something fishy about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), plants or animals which have been genetically altered and would not occur naturally despite what Monsanto or other biotech companies claim. These newly introduced “transgenic” species exhibit unexpected and unintended traits, and many say that their introduction into the environment, along with the insecticide they are most often paired with, has led to higher incidences of health problems.

Most commonly, pesticide companies engineer new proteins into our food crops that enable high doses of their weed killer to be sprayed. These new proteins have not undergone any long term independent safety testing, and weed killer residues in our foods are going through the sunroof. The FDA is about to green light a genetically engineered salmon into our food supply without labeling, in which genes from an eel like ocean pout have been inserted. This GMO fish if it escapes would decimate wild salmon populations.

Sixty-four countries around the world require labeling of GMOs, but in the USA and Canada these items are commonly found in the grocery store without a label. Are we eating fishy food? Let’s demand some answers. Label GMO food so people can make informed choices.

We believe that people have the right to choose what they eat. The essence of food democracy is that we know what is in our food, and whether or not our food has been artificially altered.

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The first car in the FishyFoodFleet was “Poppy” aka FishyCorn Car. Created in September 2011 by César Maxit and DC51 artist collective in Washington, DC, FishyCorn was constructed with a frame made of welded steel and a skin of chicken wire and tape. The design was implemented for the Right2Know March, from New York City to Washington, DC for the labeling of GMO foods. The group of about 100 marchers used FishyCorn as a support vehicle to carry leaflets, organic snacks and water, and to ferry people to the front of the march when they were falling behind. Later that year Maxit, working with welder & fiberglass artist David Jackson, began building a larger and more durable FishyCorn sculpture from fiberglass with a heavy steel frame. The new and improved FishyCorn went to Monsanto headquarters in Creve Coeur, Missouri for the 2012 annual shareholder meeting with activist Adam Eidinger. He parked the car on the agribusiness giant’s campus and debated Monsanto’s CEO Hugh Grant on GMO labeling.

FishyCorn then stayed in St. Louis with activists and after a few months swam to California to support Proposition 37, a GMO labeling voter initiative that failed by less than 2% in November 2012. In December, FishyCorn made a southern tour with members of the Real Cooperative who returned it home to Washington, DC. FishyCorn brings smiles and conversation everywhere he goes but he also delivers an important question: Are We Eating Fishy Food?

In January 2013, Maxit began building five more FishyFood creations. Maxit received support from Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps to build the FishyFoodFleet but also used extensive volunteer labor from the Washington, DC community. By the beginning of March 2013, the Fishy Sugar Beet aka “Rooty” swam onto the scene. Since then, Fishy Apple aka “Goldie,” and Fishy Soy aka “Soja Girl” have been completed. Fishy Tomato aka “K-Sup” is expected to be completed by July 2013.

This summer the FishyFoodFleet will engage in a cross-country swim from Washington, DC to Washington State to educate the public on the importance of GMO labeling. The State of Washington will decide whether foods with genetically engineered ingredients will need to be labeled. The FishyFood tour will pass through thirteen states and nine state capitols with events along the way.

Want to get involved? Contact us!

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