Tom Hormel, meat-packing scion, antes up $500,000 in support of Oregon GMO-labeling measure

Tom Hormel has no role in running the famous meat-packing company his grandfather founded in 1891, but he and the company are now locking financial horns over Measure 92, Oregon's mandatory GMO-labeling initiative.

Hormel, one of four family members listed as a beneficiary of the Hormel Foundation trust, just donated $500,000 in support of Measure 92. If the measure passes Nov. 4, it would make Oregon the first state to pass a GMO labeling at the ballot box.

Hormel Foods, meanwhile, has now made two donations of $42,500 to the No on 92 Coalition, with the second coming immediately after Hormel made his contribution.

"I heard last week they gave their second donation after I put mine in," said Hormel, reached by telephone Monday at his Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., residence. "I figured it was in response to my donation."

Hormel and his two brothers (one of whom is now deceased) have said previously they were pushed out of the Austin, Minn.-based meat-packing giant shortly after their father, Jay C. Hormel, died in 1954. Jay Hormel was the son of company founder George A. Hormel.

Hormel, while still pursuing numerous endeavors in art, photography, music and writing, said he considers mandatory labeling of products containing genetically modified ingredients a must for consumers.

"It's a monster of a threat that people have no concept of," he said. "I want there to be a clear picture of the risks and I don't see any. No one is talking about that."

He called Measure 92 a "button, and it's exciting to have one last opportunity to push it. Oregon can show the rest of the states the road on this. It will make a huge different if it actually prevails."

Calls to Hormel Foods were not immediately returned.

With more than two weeks to go before the election, Measure 92 is already the most expensive ballot measure in state history, according to Oregon secretary of state financial filings.

The No on 92 Coalition has raised just over $11.1 million. The Yes on 92 campaign has brought in about $6.1 million.

-- Dana Tims

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