Generated Monsanto Obstruction
National Health Federation -
The acronym GMO usually refers to Genetically Modified Organism. In this case, there is a direct connection with Monsanto, Dupont, and other large biotech companies that produce genetically engineered seeds, which grow into GMO crops, and find their way into an estimated 70 percent of processed foods sold in American grocery stores.
Monsanto is trying to manipulate Congress to pass a final Farm Bill reauthorization with provisions that will wipe out citizens’ rights to State laws intended to protect their health and safety when it applies to the labeling of GMO products. It is important to note that 24 States have considered legislation that would require labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOS).
On June 10th, the Senate voted 66 to 27 to approve its farm bill, S.954, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013. During debate prior to this action, an amendment sponsored by Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and four other Senators to clarify that States can voluntarily enact their own GMO labeling laws was defeated. An amendment of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to overturn the so-called “Monsanto Protection Act” (MPA) was defeated. This new law permits Monsanto, DuPont, and other companies to sell genetically modified seeds that have not been properly examined for their effect on other farmers, the environment, and human health. It grants judicial immunity to big farming companies who sell seeds and plant crops that are later determined to be unsafe for human or animal consumption.
The good news is that the MPA is law only until Sept 30th, unless extended by Congress. This is because it was a part of the Continuing Resolution to fund the government until the end of this Federal fiscal year when passed by the House and Senate in January. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) is on record in support of not extending the MPA provision in a Federal spending bill through the appropriations process. She also stated that it would be inappropriate for its inclusion in a final Congressional farm bill. The Senate bill does not include explicit language to block States from enacting their own GMO labeling laws.
It is a different situation with the House bill, H.R.1947, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act of 2013. The Agriculture Committee added amendments by Congressman Steve King (R-IA) to directly prohibit States from enacting GMO labeling laws and to extend the MPA. The Congressman’s own State is one of the 24 States that had GMO labeling legislation considered in their 2013 legislative sessions.
H.R.1947 has been voted out of committee and will be scheduled for a full House vote in the coming weeks. If the bills pass each chamber, a joint House and Senate Conference Committee will have to be appointed to work out any differences. This is also not assured in the current Congressional political legislative climate.
Read More: thenhf.com
