Chairman’s Mark on Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Garners Widespread Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, is pleased to announce broad food and agriculture industry support of his Chairman’s Mark on Biotechnology Labeling Solutions, which will be considered at the Committee’s business meeting on Thursday.

"Our draft has the overwhelming support of virtually every agricultural industry from field to fork and beyond,” Roberts said. “This demonstrates the widespread concerns of significant and critical sectors of our economy regarding the urgent need to address biotech labeling before the patchwork of state laws harms producers and consumers.”

The letter – which contains more than 650 signatures from farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, processors, seed makers, handlers, food and feed manufacturers, lenders, and retailers – is in support of the Chairman’s Mark for a national solution on biotechnology labeling. The groups urge the U.S. Senate to take quick action “to avoid the economic costs of a patchwork of state laws that will directly impact consumers, farmers, and the entire food value chain.” Click here to read the letter, which includes the support of more than a dozen Kansas agriculture groups.

The Senate Agriculture Committee last October held a hearing on agriculture biotechnology with federal regulators and perspectives from producers and consumers – the first biotechnology hearing in 10 years. The hearing focused on science and the role of the regulatory system to help ensure a safe and affordable food supply for consumers at home and around the globe.

To read the draft legislation and watch Thursday’s business meeting, click here.

-30-