American Seed Trade Association is currently working with the USDA on a revision of the biotechnology regulations, known as Part 340. Last week at the Commodity Classic in New Orleans ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne addressed the work they are doing to make sure key goals are included in this revision. “One of the key concerns that we have … Read More
Industry Applauds Senate Ag Labeling Bill
The Senate Agriculture Committee today held a business meeting where the Chairman’s Mark on Biotechnology Labeling Solutions was favorably reported with a bipartisan vote of 14-6. The legislation, which creates a voluntary national labeling law for genetically modified products, now heads to the full Senate for consideration. “This is really a conversation about a few states dictating to every state … Read More
End GMO Attacks Calls Purdue U President Daniels
During the Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington last week, Mitch Daniels, Purdue University President, once again called for anti-GMO groups to stop attacking the use of the biotechnology in agricultural production while calling on public, private and nonprofit leaders to fight against attackers. “The attack on GMO technology is the most blatant anti-science of the age, but it is far … Read More
Meeting for Industry Supported Labeling Bill Delayed
A meeting by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to consider the Chairman’s Mark on Biotechnology Labeling Solutions has been postponed until next week. The committee meeting was scheduled for Thursday but is being delayed due to “changes on the Senate floor.” Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) is pleased with the broad food and agriculture industry … Read More
Coalition Supports Roberts Bill on Labeling
the Coalition for Safe, Affordable Food (CFSAF) is calling for quick action on a draft bill proposed by Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) to address labeling for genetically modified foods. “Farmers, businesses and American families are counting on Congress to pass a uniform, national labeling standard for foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as quickly as possible because Vermont’s state … Read More
GMO Opposition Hurting the Developing World
Increasing pressure from the anti-GMO movement has created an increased demand for governments to restrict the use of biotechnology in agriculture, with the majority of biotech opposition stemming from European and European-funded NGOs and campaign groups. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a nonpartisan research and educational institute, has recently published data suggesting that the biotechnology restrictions created by … Read More
Monsanto Marks 20th Biotech Anniversary
This year marks the 20th anniversary of GMO crop technology and Monsanto has played a key role in the advancement of biotechnology playing a key role in the process of creating a food secure world. Monsanto Chief Technology Officer Dr. Robert Fraley visited the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention last week to talk about the innovations behind the brand, as well … Read More
ASA Urges Improvement for EU Biotech Approvals
The American Soybean Association recently addressed the European Commission to urge them to improve the process of accepting crops grown with new biotechnology traits. ASA noted that the delay in accepting these crops after passing through the EU’s long review process creates a barrier to the American soybean market and creates risk in the feed supply for Europe’s livestock industry. … Read More
USDA Planning GMO Labeling Stakeholder Meeting
In the new year, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack plans to bring stakeholders in the genetically engineered food labeling debate to the table to reach common ground on the issue. “I intend to, after the first of the year, convene a meeting of folks who have been reaching out to me,” said Vilsack. “These are not necessarily Senators or members of … Read More
Ad Asks Congress to Pass Uniform, National Labeling
The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food (CFSAF) has launched a cable TV add in the D.C. market asking Congress to pass uniform, national food labeling legislation this month. The ad features Jim Jiriva, a farmer who has long used biotech crops to support his family. Hundreds of agriculture organizations from all 50 states have requested that Congress move forward with … Read More