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HOUSE TO VOTE ON GMO DISCLOSURE TODAY
Legislation to mandate the disclosure of genetically modified food ingredients is expected to receive final congressional approval from the House on Thursday. The legislation requires food manufacturers to disclose genetically modified ingredients in products, but may choose from an on-package label, symbol or electronic code regulated by the USDA. The USDA will be given two years to create rules for disclosure requirements [OKAgPolicy].
TOP HEADLINES
White House: Obama to sign ‘bipartisan’ GMO disclosure bill:
The White House confirmed that President Obama will sign the GMO disclosure bill that is expected to receive final congressional approval from the House on Thursday [Agri-Pulse].
GMO food labeling agreement is a win for businesses, consumers and farmers:
This bill reflects the importance of biotechnology, preserves our national system of food labeling and ensures consumers can get new and unprecedented access to information about their food. American businesses, farmers and consumers are counting on the House this week to stand up for them and pass this critically important legislation [The Hill].
How do you make meat GMO free when most U.S. feed isn’t?:
Applegate Farms has started shipping Non-GMO Project Verified organic chicken nuggets to retailers nationwide. The problem is that Applegate made its pledge in a country that’s embraced GMO agriculture. Finding enough unsullied feed in America promises to be difficult [Bloomberg].
GMO vote:
We agree with Lucas in a commitment to food safety and meeting our demand for diverse and affordable foods. We support the establishment of this national bioengineered food disclosure standard [Enid News & Eagle].
STATE ISSUES
November ballot to be loaded with state questions:
Although only two state questions officially have been put on the ballot, the prospect that several more will be put before voters on Nov. 8 is nearly certain [Tulsa World].
Dana Murphy officially elected to serve another term on Corporation Commissioner:
The State Election Board on Wednesday issued Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy a certificate of election [Tulsa World].
MISCELLANEOUS
Rural banks feeling farm economy pressure:
Three years of lower farm income has small bankers on notice. Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank executive director Esther George said this week, “I wouldn’t say we’re in a crisis, but we are seeing signs of underperforming loans.” She suggested the Fed should consider raising interest rates now [Hoosier Ag Today].
New food stamp rules likely to produce contradictory results:
The propensity of government officials to try to dictate others’ behavior often results in convoluted policy that generates outcomes those same planners find objectionable [The Oklahoman].
