Compromise GMO Bill Has Pathway to Mandatory Labeling

Sen. Roberts files compromise bill

If the food industry fails to garner “substantial participation” in a voluntary system for labeling products made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), it could trigger a national mandatory system, according to a measure introduced late March 14 by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). Link to text of the amendment.

The language is a compromise between Roberts and Democrats including committee ranking member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who pushed for an immediate mandatory labeling system. The measure, introduced as a substitute amendment to S 764, needs the support from some Senate Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold to pass the Senate.

Voluntary labeling would become mandatory if the USDA decides after two years that fewer than 70% of products are labeled.

“This will be one of the most important policy decisions for agriculture in recent decades,” said Roberts, who noted the new bill balanced the consumers’ right to know with a uniform standard nationwide. “Farmers and food producers deserve certainty. This legislation does that.”

Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said consumers have the right to know what is in their food. “They deserve clear standards [with] required disclosure of what’s in their food,” he said. Voluntary disclosure leaves consumers in the dark, “and that’s the wrong way to go.”

Lawmakers expect a vote on the bill as soon as Mar. 16,according to a statement by Roberts.

PERSPECTIVE: While some general media signal Roberts may need the votes of 10 Democratic senators to help clear the bill, Roberts recently said he may need up to 20 Democratic votes, as not all Republicans may not vote for the bill, and several will not likely be in attendance for the vote. McConnell said if the measure fails, he would try again after the Senate’s upcoming recess

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