Prop 37 Critics Crush Supporters in Financing ContributionsProp 37 Critics Crush Supporters in Financing Contributions

Opponents of Californias food labeling ballot initiative have outspent proponents of the measure by a factor of eight to one.

Citing campaign data from the California Secretary of State as of Sept. 30, the research organization MapLight reports that opponents to the No on 37 campaign have contributed $34.5 million while advocates have only spent $4.1 million.

Monsanto Company, alone, has contributed $7.1 million in opposition to Proposition 37, which would require genetically modified food to be labeled, according to MapLight Voter's Edge for California, a self-described nonpartisan guide to ballot measures. EI DuPont de Nemours & Co. wasn't far behind, shelling out $4.9 million.

The agriculture and food and beverage industries have led funding in opposition to the measure while the organic and alternative health sectors have contributed the largest amounts in support of Prop 37, according to MapLight.

MapLight reports that Mercola.com Health Resources LLC has made the largest contribution ($1.1 million) in favor of the measure.

In spite of the financing disparity, polls have shown overwhelming support for the measure. If it's going to be defeated, opponents likely will have to open up their pocketbooks even wider.

Check out MapLight's charts below for the juicy details and our recent coverage on the legal debate over a natural labeling provision in the measure.

TOP 10 CONTRIBUTORS TO YES ON PROPOSITION 37
($4.1 million raised in total)

Rank Contributor Name Total 1MERCOLA.COM HEALTH RESOURCES LLC$1,100,0002NATURE'S PATH FOODS U.S.A. INC.
FINE NATURAL FOOD PRODUCTS$610,7093DR. BRONNER'S MAGIC SOAPS
ALL-ONE-GOD-FAITH INC.$358,8834ORGANIC CONSUMER ORGANIZATIONS'
COMMITTEE FOR THE RIGHT TO KNOW
ABOUT GMOS (unitemized contributions)$335,1225WEHAH FARM, INC., DBA LUNDBERG
FAMILY FARMS$250,0006ALEX BOGUSKY$100,0007AMY'S KITCHEN$100,0008CLIF BAR & COMPANY$100,0009GREAT FOODS OF AMERICA$100,00010ORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION$92,468

TOP 10 CONTRIBUTORS TO NO ON PROPOSITION 37
($34.5 million raised in total)

Rank Contributor Name Total 1MONSANTO COMPANY$7,100,5002E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS & CO.$4,900,0003BASF PLANT SCIENCE$2,000,0004DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC$2,000,0005BAYER CROPSCIENCE$2,000,0006PEPSICO, INC.$1,716,3007NESTLE USA, INC.$1,169,4008COCA-COLA COMPANY$1,164,4009CONAGRA FOODS$1,076,70010SYNGENTA CORPORATION$1,000,000

CONTRIBUTION BREAKDOWN BY INDUSTRY
Yes on Proposition 37 (Green)
No on Proposition 37 (Red)