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
No National Labeling in Omnibus Bill
The broad spending and tax legislation compromise unveiled by House Republicans Tuesday night lacks a provision that would allow for a national food labeling standard to head off state food labeling mandates for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) set to take effect in 2016. “The failure of Congress to act will result in enormous costs to the agriculture and food industry … Read More
#ASTACSS Offers Communications Advice
Washington Post columnist and Cape Cod oyster farmer Tamar Haspel (@tamarhaspel) provided some good food for thought at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo Thursday with a session that focused on science communications and influencing public opinion. In a lively discussion with attendees, Haspel stressed the need for the agriculture industry to be more effective when communicating about science … Read More
Wheat Improvement Panel at #ASTACSS
During the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo this week, attendees were invited to a panel titled, “Value Chain Engagement in Wheat Improvement” that brought together representatives from across the wheat value chain to discuss needed innovation in the wheat industry. Justin Gilpin, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Commission, focused on the benefit of public/private partnerships as well as work the … Read More
Food Companies Launch SmartLabel™ Initiative
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has launched the SmartLabel™ technology initiative that will enable consumers to have easy and instant access to detailed information about thousands of products, with more than 30 major companies already committed to using it. Consumers will be able to find this detailed product information in several ways: by scanning a QR code on the package, … Read More
FDA Denies GMO Food Labeling Requirement
In a victory for food producers, the Food and Drug Administration Thursday denied petitions from anti-GMO activist organizations requiring the labeling of biotech foods. The FDA maintains that there is no need for additional labeling of foods derived from GE (genetically engineered) sources unless there is “a material difference – such as a different nutritional profile – between the GE … Read More
Senate Ag Committee Holds Hearing On Biotechnology
The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing this week on agriculture biotechnology (GMO) with that showcased the overwhelming scientific consensus regarding GMO safety, as well as the urgent need for Congressional action to pass a reasonable, common-sense solution that prevents a state-by-state patchwork of labeling laws. “This is the first time in 10 years this Committee has held a hearing … Read More
Corn Growers Call for Uniform Labeling
Representatives of the National Corn Growers Association were on Capitol Hill this week to support a uniform national labeling standard for foods made with genetically modified organisms. The fly-in, organized by the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food, included 125 representatives from the entirety of the nation’s food supply chain, from farmers to food companies. Farmers and state staffers from the … Read More
HarvXtra Trait Will Benefit Dairy Farmers
HarvXtra™ alfalfa is the latest breakthrough in alfalfa technology from Forage Genetics International (FGI). It was developed through a strategic partnership formed between FGI, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in conjunction with Monsanto. Jeff Herrmann, Specialty Crops Technology Development Manager for DeKalb, Channel, and Jung seed brands sat down with AgWired at the … Read More
K State Researchers Uncover New Genetic Markers
Kansas State University wheat scientists, in cooperation with scientists from Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic, are calling their study of wild wheat genes “a breakthrough.” The research is the first completed study of a chromosome in a tertiary gene pool. The study was published in The Plant Journal on Sept. 27 “What we did is develop a strategy that … Read More