The Senate Ag Committee is working on compromise language on the biotech labeling bill that could be offered yet this week. Committee Chairman Pat Roberts says labeling of foods with agricultural biotechnology ingredients is a bigger issue than just what gets displayed on the package and he’s hopeful they get a workable deal from those on the committee pushing for a mandatory program.
Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow says reaching a compromise is very difficult on this issue as well as striking a balance between the need to pre-empt state laws and the consumer’s right to know.
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven was a leader early in the biotech labeling debate and says the lack of progress has been disappointing. He says right now the sticking point is how animal feed will be treated as many want to make sure feeding biotech crops doesn’t make milk or meat subject to labeling.
He says so far they don’t have any actual language though on animal feed. Hoeven says once they get consensus in the committee he’s hopeful they can get a floor vote to pass a bill before Vermont’s law kicks in July 1.
