The National Farmers Union now supports voluntary GMO labeling following debate at the organization’s annual convention last week. The Farmers Union previously supported mandatory GMO labeling. The change in position came after what DTN called “wrenching debates” that pitted traditional NFU membership against farmers that are more likely to be growers of organic food crops.
The debate comes as the Senate is expected to vote on a voluntary labeling proposal by Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) sometime this week. However, last week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said a voluntary labeling measure would not get the needed amount of votes to pass the Senate. Vilsack wants a mandatory disclosure law, requiring smart labels to direct consumers to more information. A third option, full mandatory labeling, is supported by some Senate Democrats.
Source: NAFB News Service