National Association of Wheat Growers comments on food labeling bill

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) has praised members of the House of Representatives for passing the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act by a 275-150 vote today, establishing a uniform science-based, voluntary food-labeling standard.

"The bipartisan efforts showcased today reflects the support from American consumers and farmers toward a consistent and transparent food label that is founded in science," NAWG President Brett Blankenship said.

"The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act provides a clear, common-sense labeling standard that eliminates the current state-by-state unworkable patchwork," Blankenship, a wheat grower from Washtucna, Washington, said. "We commend the House for passing this standardized labeling rule and we encourage the Senate to move on this legislation in the same bipartisan, supportive fashion."

The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, which was introduced in March by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), attracted 106 co-sponsors between both Republicans and Democrats.

The bill mandates a uniform, national food label based on science that creates a consumer-friendly, GMO-free certification program. It also allows the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue working together on food labeling decisions.

NAWG is a federation of 22 state wheat grower associations that works to represent the needs and interests of wheat producers before Congress and federal agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., NAWG is grower-governed and grower-funded, and works in areas as diverse as federal farm policy, trade, environmental regulation, agricultural research and sustainability.