Alexandria, Virginia, USA
March 1, 2016

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andrew LaVigne made the following statement in response to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s passage of legislation to prevent a costly state-by-state patchwork of labeling mandates that would confuse consumers and create disruptions in interstate commerce:

“Today, the Senate Agriculture Committee made a strong bipartisan showing of support for American farmers, families and small businesses, over special-interest activist groups.  We commend Chairman Roberts for his strong leadership and dedication to finding common ground on a practical solution to food labeling.

“Agriculture and food policy should be based on sound science, not fear tactics.  Today’s vote was an important step in bringing consistency and transparency to the marketplace, while protecting consumers and the food and agriculture community from a costly and confusing patchwork of state labeling laws. 

“With Vermont’s labeling law set to take effect on July, 1, we are urging the Senate to take swift action in passing the Roberts legislation for national uniformity in food labeling.”

Website: http://www.betterseed.org/

Published: March 1, 2016