Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says there is a growing sense of urgency to reach a compromise on labeling foods that contain GMO ingredients.
Vermont’s law that would require labels on foods containing GMOs is slated to take effect next July. He says if the state’s initiative withstands a legal challenge, it could give momentum to similar measures being considered in several other states.
Vilsack is planning a meeting to address GMO Food Labeling issues and the list of attendees includes more than just lawmakers.
“I intend – after the first of the year – to have a meeting of folks who have been reaching out to me,” he says. “These are not necessarily senators or members of Congress but they are folks that are interested in the labeling issue.”
He says he will challenge the group to find a fix in a way that doesn’t create significant market disruption and at the same time recognizing the consumer’s right to know and need to know basic information.
Agricultural leaders in Congress have said GMO labeling will be one of their top priorities when they return to work next month.
Vilsack agrees with many lawmakers that a state patchwork of legislation could cause additional chaos in the market. Congress did not include a ban on state labeling laws in its $1 trillion spending bill signed by President Obama last week.
Source: www.brownfieldagnews.com