National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling issues the following statement in response to the Senate’s failure to pass Chairman Pat Roberts’ uniform, national food labeling standard:
“U.S. corn farmers are disappointed that, despite the clear demonstration of support from nearly 800 groups, the Senate failed to move this reasonable legislation forward. This legislation would have provided consumers with a greater amount of information in a consistent, clear manner. Farmers are committed to creating greater transparency in the food system, but we also need Congress to set clear, commonsense guidelines that are based in science and keep food affordable for American families.
“We still see the possibility for a bipartisan agreement on this in the near future, and will continue working with Chairman Roberts and Senator Stabenow to realize this possibility.
“The impending implementation of a patchwork of state labeling legislation will soon harm both the American families who grow food and those who buy it. Given the overwhelming scientific evidence of the safety of this technology and the vital role it will play in meeting the growing need to feed a growing global population, on-pack labeling that would create confusion and stigmatize biotechnology serves only a small activist population at the expense of consumers.
“We urge the Senate to stand with farmers and consumers, not political activists. We must continue working to solve this critical issue.”
