Several associations are hailing a bipartisan bill that would set a national standard for labeling foods containing genetically modified organisms while overriding state efforts to establish their own labeling standards.

Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) announced Thursday they had reached a deal on legislation that requires mandatory labels on GMO foods, but gives food companies substantial flexibility on the form those labels would take. The law also exempts foods in which meat is the main ingredient.

Perhaps the bill's most controversial effect would be to preempt state labeling laws like the one in Vermont, which will go into effect at the beginning of July. The Grocery Manufacturers Association and three other business groups have sued to overturn Vermont's law. In a statement, GMA CEO Pamela Bailey praised the proposed bill as a "commonsense solution."

"This bipartisan agreement ensures consumers across the nation can get clear, consistent information about their food and beverage ingredients and prevents a patchwork of confusing and costly state labeling laws," she said.

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization also welcomed news of the deal, with CEO Jim Greenwood urging lawmakers to enact the legislation quickly.

"Vermont's mandatory GMO food labeling law goes into effect on July 1, and it is already generating chaos in the marketplace," he said.

The Organic Trade Association—which has pushed for mandatory GMO labels—said it was satisfied with the legislation even if the bill didn't go as far as some organic food advocates wanted.

The bill "also covers more products than the Vermont Law if it goes into effect," OTA said in a statement. "When it comes to protecting organic agriculture and trade, we have to take the long view."

Not all groups were pleased with the deal. The American Farm Bureau Federation noted there is no scientific evidence showing GMO foods pose health risks to humans. As a result, it plans to continue to oppose mandatory labels.

"This deal clearly seeks to prevent a 50-state mismatched quilt of differing labeling standards," the group said. "But the mandatory feature holds significant potential to contribute to confusion and unnecessary alarm."

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