Farm groups are disappointed with the Senate’s failure to pass a national voluntary biotech food labeling bill. The legislation offered Wednesday by Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts failed to get the 60 votes needed for cloture due to the divide between those supporting mandatory labeling verses a voluntary approach. American Soybean Association Director and Nebraska farmer Jim Miller says there continues to be ongoing discussions with senators to find a bi-partisan compromise that can achieve Senate support.
However, he says Congress may not be able to reach a deal and move the bill until after the Easter recess.
Miller says the Robert’s bill would have helped avoid a costly patchwork of state biotech labeling laws.
Robert’s voluntary biotech labeling approach had support from nearly 800 groups. It would have provided consumers with a greater amount of information in a consistent, clear manner. Plus it would have given farmers certainty as they make future planting decisions.
