Senate Ag Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., revealed he will be meeting today and tomorrow with top panel Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, to try to "settle our differences" on labeling food made from genetically modified organisms. "We have to get it fixed," though most major companies are prepared to abide by the Vermont law that takes effect July 1 if a solution is not reached, Roberts noted.
House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, said he is "frustrated" with Stabenow's lack of movement, and that he is sticking with the House position on the topic until she puts something on paper he can negotiate with. Even with a Senate compromise, Conaway said that he stands by his voluntary-only labeling law, passed in the House in 2015. "The House has a bill, and we'd be perfectly fine if the Senate passed it as is and sent it to the president," Conaway said.
Regarding the next farm bill, Conaway said, "What does it do to the cost of food" will determine which issues he addresses in the next omnibus farm bill.
Roberts said the current farm bill is still being implemented and "a lot of hearings" will be held next year in preparation for crafting the next one.