Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015

“Congress stood with farmers and ranchers today in supporting innovation that helps the environment and keeps food prices down for everyone. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 would protect consumers from confusing and misleading GMO labels and create a national, voluntary labeling standard based on science and common sense.

“The American Farm Bureau Federation supports all farmers and ranchers and opposes anyone who stands in the way of safe, affordable food. Consumers benefit from variety in the marketplace and should be free to make choices based on facts. The facts are that many farmers are growing more food with fewer resources, reducing their environmental impact, and keeping costs down—all thanks to advances in biotechnology.

“Farm Bureau applauds Representatives Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) and G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) for introducing this legislation, as well as House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), for their leadership in moving the bill forward, and thanks the House for their overwhelming bipartisan support.”