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TOP HEADLINES
More than 1,100 groups, firms appeal for House passage of GMO bill:
More than 1,100 organizations and companies are appealing to House leaders to pass legislation that would set national disclosure standards for genetically engineered ingredients [Agri-Pulse].
GMO labeling starts in the House today (audio):
This afternoon, the House Rules Committee will take up a Senate-passed GMO labeling bill, and many hope it will move quickly [Agri-Pulse].
How square watermelons get their shape, and other GMO misconceptions:
As early as this week, the House is expected to vote on a bill that would require most foods containing genetically engineered ingredients to be identified as such. But dispelling confusion over genetically modified organisms, known as G.M.O.s., may be difficult for any labeling program [New York Times].
FEDERAL ISSUES
House leadership commits to move long-term Cuba trade legislation:
Legislation to loosen restrictions on trade with Cuba was dropped from the financial services appropriations bill in exchange for a commitment from House leaders to move stand-alone legislation at a later date, according to Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., who offered the amendment [DTN/Progressive Farmer].
Good reason to feel agencies run amok:
It’s an apparent contradiction. Gridlock means relatively little gets done in Congress, yet the size of government continues to grow. How? Federal agencies are allowed to effectively write countless new laws and regulations [The Oklahoman].
Ag presence at political party conventions:
Farm and agribusiness groups are planning their traditional celebrations at the Republican and Democratic conventions this month, but they will have competition at each convention from Plate of the Union, a coalition of groups close to the Environmental Working Group, which is planning events to highlight a radically different vision of the future of American agriculture [DTN/Progressive Farmer].
MISCELLANEOUS
Farm income is the lowest since 2002. Here’s why you should care:
American farm income is projected to drop 3 percent this year and 56 percent from its 2013 high, to $54.8 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are several reasons Americans should take note [Deseret News].
Just Label It takes a victory lap after losing; opts to move on:
Just label It is throwing in the towel. The never-ending campaign by the organic industry’s top political players to force GMO labeling on the entire food industry says its time to move on [Food Safety News].
Public must constantly monitor lawmakers’ words and deeds:
Politicians are often caricatured as constantly talking out of both sides of their mouths, saying one thing to one audience and the exact opposite to another group, based on political expediency [The Oklahoman].
