Ag Groups Support New Food Disclosure Rule

Most key agricultural groups seem to support the USDA’s final rule implementing the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. The National Corn Growers Association says the standard is designed to inform consumers about the presence of bioengineered genetic material in their food. USDA’s disclosure standard stands firmly with science is stating there is no risk to eating bioengineered crops. NCGA President Lynn Chrisp says, “American’s corn farmers need a consistent, transparent system to provide consumers with information without stigmatizing this technology.” Dave Stephens, American Soybean Association President, says soybean farmers are pleased that USDA took its time to do the rule in the right way. “We believe it allows transparency for consumers while following the intent of Congress that only food containing modified genetic material be required to be labeled,” Stephens says. The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives also applauded the USDA’s standard. “This rule gives the public more information than ever before on how their food was produced,” says Chuck Conner, NCFC President. “At the same time, farmers and food producers still have access to the technology needed to provide safe and affordable food to a growing world population.”