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Posted February 11, 2015
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture passed a resolution to support a national uniform labeling policy for genetically modified foods (GMO), according to an Ag Week article available here. WNAX also published an article available here.
The measure does not specifically support the bill introduced by Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., which would limit food labeling with GMO ingredients to those with which Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds a food safety problem. Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said supports the bill.
“The whole issue is we need a uniform labeling system based on sound science,” said Strain. “We don’t need a non-uniform, disjointed system.”
South Dakota Agriculture Secretary Lucas Lentsch stated a national standard is needed to overcome the problems stemmed from different and diverse state regulations that obstruct biotechnology, according to WNAX.
Lentsch said that GM0 foods are completely safe and fit in well with our present food system, which is the safest in the world, and having a national standard would enhance that safety.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the Pompeo bill is an “end run” around labeling, and that he is not sure supporters can get it through Congress, according to Ag Week.
Vilsack also said that he has a “commitment to coexistence” between organic and conventional crops, and he plans to reconvene the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology in the 21st Century, known as AC21, in March to continue work on how both industries can thrive.
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Update: In a letter to House offices, 373 producer groups, processors, biotech providers, and food companies representing the Coalition for Safe and Affordable Food asked Congress members to support a bill that would provide federal food labeling standards for genetically engineered (GMO) products, according to Agri-Pulse.
Reps. Mike Pompeo, R-Kans., and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., introduced H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, on March 25, to establish a voluntary, national labeling law for foods derived from GMO ingredients, which “will ensure food labeling in the United States is uniform and science based,” said the groups.
The bill also requires FDA to evaluate all genetically engineered foods before they enter the market, pre-empting any state mandatory laws for GMO labeling.
For more information on biotechnology, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
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