Agricultural News
A Thousand Plus Groups and Companies Tell the Senate- Consider Roberts-Stabenow GMO Labeling Bill NOW- Before July 4th
Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:07:48 CDT
Over a thousand groups and companies have put their name on a letter sent to the US Senate, calling for a vote right away on the so called Roberts-Stabenow GMO Labeling Compromise bill. The letter reads in part:
"We, the undersigned organizations, represent all segments of the U.S. food chain- producers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, processors, seed makers, handlers, food and feed manufacturers, restaurants, lenders, and retailers. It is vitally important for the Senate to call up and pass the legislation drafted by Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow on biotech labeling in order to avoid the economic costs of a patchwork of state laws that will directly impact consumers, farmers, and the entire food value chain.
"We strongly support the Roberts - Stabenow biotech labeling agreement, which buildson the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Act, that was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee 14 6 on March first. The issue of biotech labeling is one of the most significant issues that the agriculture and food industry has faced in recent years. The U.S. agriculture and food industry creates over 17 million jobs, representing nearly 1 in 10 jobs. This very system. which produces the most abundant, the highest quality, and the most affordable food supply in the world will be threatened with large economic costs without a national uniform solution to the biotech labeling issue.
"The application of biotechnology to agricultural production has led to increased crop yields, decreased use of pesticides, and lower food costs for consumers. Congress must ensure we avoid senseless mandates that will thwart agricultural advancement and hurt consumers, especially those low income Americans who can least afford to pay more to feed their families."
At least nine groups and companies with direct Oklahoma ties signed the letter- including Reasors Supermarkets, the Oklahoma Ag Coop Council, Oklahoma AgCredit, Oklahoma Agribusiness Retailers, Oklahoma Agricultural Coop Council, Oklahoma Beverage Association, Oklahoma Grain and Feed Association and the Oklahoma Soybean Association.
Click on the PDF file link below to see the complete letter and the twelve pages of names signing the letter.
The US Senate is finishing their work this week before a week's recess for the Fourth of July- late word from sources in Washington indicate that Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has put a hold on the bill- which could end any chance of a vote before the Senate takes next week off. The House is already in recess- and returns July 5th to Washington.
00025_Roberts-Stabenow-Final-6.27.16.pdf
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