Agricultural News
Farmer Co-ops Applaud Introduction of The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act
Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:31:13 CDT
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Wednesday applauded the introduction of The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, by Representatives Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) and G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.). The legislation would create a national, science-based standard for the safety and labeling of food products containing genetically modified ingredients (GMOs).
"This legislation is vital to giving both farmers and consumers the certainty they deserve when it comes to labeling of food containing GMO ingredients. At the same time, it would preserve choices in the marketplace for both groups," said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. "I would like to thank both Congressman Pompeo and Congressman Butterfield for their leadership on this issue. I look forward to working with them, as well as other members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, as the process moves forward."
With more states considering legislation to implement mandatory labeling at the state level, much like Vermont did last year, the resulting patchwork of regulations threatens to upend America's food supply chain and raise grocery costs for the average family of four by $500 a year, according to a Cornell University study.
The bill would set a new, voluntary federal framework allowing food manufacturers to label products made without GMO ingredients and would codify a mandatory review of all new biotechnology crops entering the marketplace.
"Growers and farmer co-ops across the U.S. have embraced biotechnology as a way to increase yields in an environmentally and economically sustainable way," continued Conner. "This bill represents an important step in cutting through the misinformation about GMOs and instead focuses on the science attesting to their safety and the benefits these crops provide."
NCFC is a member of The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food, which is dedicated to providing policy makers, media, consumers and all stakeholders with the facts about ingredients grown through GM technology. For more information on the coalition and issue, visit their web site by clicking here.
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