Agricultural groups are calling on the Senate to pass a national voluntary biotech labeling bill when they return from the Easter recess. This comes after the failure to bring the measure up for debate. South Dakota Soybean Association President and Vermillion area farmer Jerry Schmitz says it will be tough to find middle ground between those that support voluntary verses those that want mandatory labeling. However, he says it’s important the Senate approves a voluntary measure.
He says Senate Republicans need to work out a compromise with Democrats to get the labeling legislation passed.
Schmitz says the Senate will also need to marry their bill with the House passed legislation so the President can sign it before Vermont’s state law kicks in in July.
Senators will need 60 votes to bring the biotech labeling bill up for consideration when they return, which means they’ll have to drum up another 12 votes.
