The Senate Ag Committee will mark up Chairman Pat Roberts biotech labeling bill Thursday. Farm groups are lining up behind the legislation to head off a threat of a “patchwork” of state biotech labeling laws, with Vermont mandating a label in July. They’re urging Congress to act swiftly to prevent potential market chaos and higher food costs.

House legislation opposed by environmentalists failed to gain traction, but Roberts’ bill will give consumers access to product information without “stigmatizing” GMO’s.

Top Senate Agriculture Democrat Debbie Stabenow says any solution needs to meet several tests…

The new bill places standards in the hands of USDA and helps educate consumers on the safety of biotechnology.