Called organismo modificado genéticamente or organismo transgénico in Spanish, genetically modified organisms (GMO) were the topic of the day on October 12, in conjunction with a global day of action. Members of La Defensa del Maiz San José gathered in front of San Jose City Hall to protest Monsanto's corporate control of food.

Sergio Nesaulakoyotl Martinez of La Defensa shook a sheath of black corn and called out "Adelante! Forward!" for victory over Monsanto's "heinous rule." While some speakers called out for labeling, others said, "ban the GMOs and jail the corporate criminals!"

La Defensa del Maiz San José was joined by the Raging Grannies (Las Abuelitas Enojadas), members of the San Jose Peace and Justice Center, and others concerned for food safety. Food Not Bombs provided lunch. Also speaking at the event were representatives of the Green Party and Move to Amend. Barry Chang of Cupertino, who is running for political office, summed up the sentiment of the protesters saying, "corporations lie."

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