Soy growers thanked the House Committee on Agriculture chairman and ranking member for their help with the ongoing biotech labeling debate and the hearing held this week.

ASA signed onto a letter drafted by National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) and Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) to Chairman Michael Conaway and Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson Peterson, for their role in providing clear and consistent information to consumers.

“Our organizations have a substantial interest in the development and commercialization of biotechnology-derived agricultural products. Likewise, the House Agriculture Committee has provided strong support of technological advances to enhance the productivity and profitability of America’s farmers, ranchers and growers,” the letter states. “We applaud the Committee for advancing public discussion and examining policy regarding biotechnology in 2015. We are particularly grateful the committee will conduct a hearing to evaluate the benefits of national, uniform, and voluntary labeling programs to help satisfy the curiosity of consumers who are interested in knowing which food products do not contain ingredients derived from genetically engineered plants.”

The groups urged the committee to continue its active and public engagement in support of national, uniform and voluntary food labeling policies that provide consumers with information and farmers with the technology and tools they need to further agricultural innovation.