The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing Thursday that demonstrated an urgent need to pass the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act this year to create a uniform national food labeling standard for products made with genetically modified organisms.

Among those testifying at the hearing in support of the bill for agriculture was GROWMARK president and Illinois farmer John Reifsteck.

“I live in the farmhouse my grandfather built 101 years ago,” said Reifsteck. “Each generation of my family uses new technology to build on the successes of the past. GPS, automatic steering, and biotechnology are examples of new tools available today that future generations will use to build a better agriculture.” [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/growmark/hearing-growmark.mp3″ text=”GROWMARK president John Reifsteck testimony”]

Reifsteck testified on behalf of the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food which noted overwhelming, bipartisan support on the committee in favor of the labeling bill.

Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) spoke in favor of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act and the need for a “clear, concise, consistent system.” Chairman Upton also praised the recently released draft amendment to the bill as a positive step forward and applauded the House Committee on Agriculture for its partnership on this issue. Also, Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR), a former organic farmer, stated that the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act provides truth and honesty in labeling and that a national standard is critically needed.