The Senate cleared the way for debate on a national biotech labeling compromise Wednesday night, and the bill is poised for a final vote next week. The vote came after pressure by farm and food groups urging the Senate to move the bill as soon as possible. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a coauthor of the bill, says the legislation will have the votes needed to pass. Zack Clark with the National Farmers Union is optimistic the bill will move forward.

Clark says the compromise may be the best deal possible.

The bill that preempts state labeling laws, but requires a national mandatory label of some kind, is likely headed for a vote following the July 4th holiday, rather than before Vermont’s law takes effect this week.

A voluntary labeling measure failed in the Senate in March. The House has previously passed a voluntary measure.