The leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee say they’re trying to resolve the congressional stand-off over labeling foods made with genetically modified organisms, with the first mandatory labeling law to take effect in 10 weeks in Vermont. “We’re working very hard,” said chairman Pat Roberts, who repeatedly said federal pre-emption of state labeling laws is essential.
Following Roberts in speaking to North American Agricultural Journalists, the senior Democrat on the committee, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, said legislation must include mandatory labeling nationwide, which is anathema to foodmakers, who prefer voluntary labeling.
“I see a lot of parallels here,” said Stabenow, who compared the debate over labeling with the argument years ago over fuel-efficiency standards and whether states or the federal government would set them. “I am hopeful we can find an agreement.” Asked if a solution was possible, Stabenow told reporters, “There could be.”
Roberts said the GMO discussions included language on livestock. Stabenow said the issue was whether livestock products would be considered organic if the animals are fed GMO rations. Milk is one of the fastest-growing segments of the organic food industry and farmers have said it is difficult to find enough non-GMO feed.
Rep Collin Peterson, the senior Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, was doubtful the House would accept mandatory labeling in exchange for pre-emption of state label laws. The House passed a pre-emption bill last summer by a landslide margin. “I think they could live with that,” he said when asked if the House might accept a bill that allowed disclosure of GMO ingredients via websites, toll-free telephone lines and QR codes on packages.
An overhaul of child-nutrition programs, approved by the Agriculture Committee in January, is tied up in a review of its estimated cost, said Roberts. The bill was designed to extend the programs for five additional years, including an expansion of the summer food program without additional cost. “CBO is approaching this like a turtle,” said Roberts. But despite slow progress, he said there was “a good chance of putting this on the floor,” although he did not suggest when.