Strong bipartisan backing exists for labeling act

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is pleased with the strong bipartisan backing that has been demonstrated for a labeling bill.

Andrew W. LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA, recently released a statement about the act, the support it has received and the importance of the bill in the agricultural industry.

"The American Seed Trade Association is pleased with the strong bi-partisan support shown today during the House Agriculture Committee's markup and passage of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act,” LaVigne said. “This legislation establishes a uniform, science-based labeling framework for foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and also for GMO-free foods. A patchwork of mandatory state labeling regulations would only serve to mislead and confuse consumers, be costly to comply with and enforce, and ultimately raise the price of groceries for American families.”

The bill, known as HR 1599, or the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, was recently passed by the House Agriculture Committee.

"The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act is a common-sense solution, and we urge swift consideration by the full House of Representatives,” LaVigne said.

The U.S. agricultural industry eagerly anticipates the outcome of the bill and the changes it will make in the industry and the overall U.S. economy.