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BIO AFBF GE Salmon Labeling Provision Letter

September 15, 2016

September 12, 2016

The Honorable Thad Cochran                                      The Honorable Barbara Mikulski
Chairman                                                                        Ranking Member
Committee on Appropriations                                      Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate                                                     United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510                                               Washington, D.C. 20510
 
The Honorable Harold Rogers                                      The Honorable Nita M. Lowey
Chairman                                                                         Ranking Member
Committee on Appropriations                                      Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives                                      U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515                                                 Washington, D.C. 20515

 

Dear Chairmen Cochran and Rogers & Ranking Members Mikulski and Lowey,

On July 29, 2016, the President signed into law S. 764, legislation authored by Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to establish national uniformity with respect to the labeling of bioengineered food. This measure, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate and the House, requires bioengineered food disclosure in the United States and directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and administer regulations governing a mandatory disclosure program.

Because the Congress and the President have already established, via federal law, a mandatory program to address consumer curiosity about bioengineered food, we urge your committee to oppose any provision related to bioengineered food labeling, including salmon labeling, that might come before you during consideration of the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations process. The Congress has spoken clearly and has established a national bioengineered food labeling and disclosure program at USDA. No further action is necessary, and indeed any additional Congressional instruction on this issue would be confusing and counterproductive as USDA proceeds with timely implementation of S. 764. Furthermore, bill language targeting any particular bioengineered product for differential treatment would be unfair and discriminatory.

We appreciate your attention to this important innovation policy issue. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns.

 
Sincerely,
   
James C. Greenwood 
President and CEO 
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
 
Zippy Duvall
President
American Farm Bureau Federation
 
Cc: The Honorable Jerry Moran
The Honorable Jeff Merkley
The Honorable Robert Aderholt
The Honorable Sam Farr

 

Download Full Comments Below
09.12.2016 BIO.AFBF GE Salmon Labeling Provision Letter
BIO and AFBF Letter to Appropriations Committees re Labeling of GE Salmon
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