Oklahoma Farm Bureau, along with more than 650 other agriculture and food organizations, yesterday sent a letter to U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts supporting his proposed biotechnology labeling bill.
The bill would preempt all state genetically modified organism labeling laws, including Vermont’s, and create voluntary GMO labeling rules under the United States Department of Agriculture. It also would require consumer education on biotechnology.
“Biotechnology has led to increased crop yields, decreased use of pesticides, and lower food costs for consumers. Congress must ensure we avoid senseless mandates that will thwart agricultural advancement and hurt consumers—especially those low income Americans who can least afford to pay more to feed their families,” the letter stated.
The letter, signed by farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, seed makers, food and feed manufacturers, lenders and retailers, urged the Senate to act quickly to “avoid the economic costs of a patchwork of state laws that will directly impact consumers.”
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee is scheduled to hear the bill Tuesday, March 1 at 10 a.m.
Find the full letter sent to Sen. Roberts here.
