The national protest against Monsanto Company and its genetically modified food products touched Idyllwild, as well as the nation.

Local protest organizers began assembling around 11 a.m. Saturday to prepare signs and placards. About noon, the march of several dozen people started on North Circle Drive and continued to Strawberry Plaza, the location of Harvest Market, a supporter of natural and untampered food products.

Nationally the protest occurred in nearly 400 cities, according to various news reports. While dozens participated locally, observers of the Coachella Valley march felt the heat dampened the protesters’ spirits.

Rick Barker of Idyllwild and one of the march’s organizers shared these comments: “Our march was instigated by a local group of concerned citizens, named simply Idyllwild Conversations (our Tuesday night meetings are usually listed in the Town Crier as This Is This Conversation).

“Idy’s own Pedro ‘Pete’ wrote and performed two original songs to close the event.

“The worldwide march has already inspired a big step forward: The largest health food chain, Whole Foods Market, announced that they will no longer be carrying any brands that do not voluntarily label their products as to whether they include GMOs or not.”