Ag groups have filed comments on USDA’s proposed biotech labeling rule. The National Corn Growers and American Soybean Associations, and Farm Bureau are at odds with the Grocery Manufacturers Association regarding what they want on the label. NCGA Board member and South Dakota grower Keith Alverson says the ag groups don’t think that refined ingredients need to be disclosed.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association says for the rule to be transparent it should include disclosure of refined ingredients made with GMO crops. Alverson argues the rule can still be transparent without it and these products often contain no detectable amounts of GMO crops.
The USDA comment period on its proposed GMO labeling rule brought in more than 11,000 comments from farm groups, consumers and food companies. Alverson expects the final rule to be issued by the end of July.
Farm groups are concerned disclosing refined ingredients from biotech crops could stigmatize biotechnology without a benefit to consumers.
Consumers, as well as some lawmakers, were more concerned about the new language. USDA has suggested using the term or symbol “BE” or “bioengineered” instead of “GMO” or “GM” for genetically modified.
