Associations fear patchwork of state laws on issue

Saying they want to avoid dealing with a patchwork of state laws, several agriculture associations spoke out last week in favor of federal legislation that would establish voluntary labeling standards for foods containing genetically modified organisms.

The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 is an attempt to preempt state efforts to require mandatory labels on foods containing GMOs. Vermont passed a labeling law in 2014 and there have been attempts in other states to adopt similar policies.

Labeling critics point out there is no scientific evidence supporting the belief that GMOs are harmful to human health. However, they are willing to support the federal legislation if it means not dealing with a crazy quilt of different laws in various states.

"Rather than create a confusing patchwork of state policies, the legislation would deal with this issue at the national level," said Jim Mulhern, CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. "It would improve clarity in foods carrying a GMO-free label by establishing uniform rules and a national certification program for foods that have been produced without bioengineering."

"These state labeling initiatives mask the benefits of biotechnology in food production and can lead to decreased food supplies," said Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. "Creating a national labeling standard will give consumers the information they need while avoiding the unnecessary confusion and added cost of a patchwork of state laws."

The International Dairy Foods Association and American Seed Trade Association also issued statements in support of the bill.

Supporters of GMO labeling are not happy with the legislation, given labeling would only be voluntary. They see it as an industry-backed attempt to silence state voters.

"More than 90 percent of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, believe foods made with GMOs should be labeled," said Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group. "Consumers in 64 countries already have the right to know if their food contains GMOs. Supporters of this bill are trying to keep this basic information from their constituents."