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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Abigail Seiler, 202-547-9359, pr@centerforfoodsafety.org

Farmers Oppose DARK Act, Support Mandatory GE Food Labeling

Proponents of H.R. 1599, which would preempt states and local authorities from labeling or regulation GE foods, have attempted to argue that all farmers support the legislation and oppose mandatory labeling on genetically engineered (GE) foods. This is not the case. As exemplified by yesterday's statement from the National Farmers Union (NFU), the second largest farmers union in the country, a wide range of farmers support mandatory labeling and oppose Representative Mike Pompeo's (R-KS) anti-labeling bill.

WASHINGTON

Proponents of H.R. 1599, which would preempt states and local authorities from labeling or regulation GE foods, have attempted to argue that all farmers support the legislation and oppose mandatory labeling on genetically engineered (GE) foods. This is not the case. As exemplified by yesterday's statement from the National Farmers Union (NFU), the second largest farmers union in the country, a wide range of farmers support mandatory labeling and oppose Representative Mike Pompeo's (R-KS) anti-labeling bill.

The following farm groups have voiced their opposition to H.R. 1599, often referred to as the "Denying Americans the Right to Know (DARK) Act," as have hundreds of individual farms and farmers scattered across the country.

Farm groups opposed to H.R. 1599:

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association

CATA (The Farmworker Support Committee)

Des Moines County Farmers and Neighbors for Optimal Health

Ecological Farming Association

Family Farm & Crop Advisory Business

Family Farm Defenders

Farm Aid

Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance

Farms Not Arms

Farmworker Association of Florida

Farmworker Self-Help

Friends of Family Farmers

Iowa Farmers Union

Iowa Organic Association

National Family Farm Coalition

National Farmers Union

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Northeast Organic Farming Association - Interstate Council

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Mass., Inc.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT)

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association

Ohio Farmers Union

Oregonians for Safe Farms and Families

Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association

Our Family Farms Coalition

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union

Rural Advancement Foundation International

In May, over 300 farmer, consumer and environmental groups opposed the bill in a letter to Members of Congress.

Center for Food Safety's mission is to empower people, support farmers, and protect the earth from the harmful impacts of industrial agriculture. Through groundbreaking legal, scientific, and grassroots action, we protect and promote your right to safe food and the environment. CFS's successful legal cases collectively represent a landmark body of case law on food and agricultural issues.

(202) 547-9359