Agriculture groups in Washington oppose food labeling bill I-522

Four Central Washington tree fruit organizations are among more than 30 state agricultural groups opposing Initiative 522 that would require labeling of genetically-modified foods if passed by voters in November.

“The main concern we have is potential mislabeling issues,” said Kirk Mayer, manager of Washington Growers Clearing House Association in Wenatchee.

I-522 exempts inputs for meats and organics but is silent on inputs of other products like apples, Mayer said. It is unclear if growers could be liable for mislabeling if they do not identify GM chemicals and fertilizers used in growing fruit, he said.

“If this needs to be done, it should be at the national level with more scientific and regulatory clarification,” Mayer said.

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Read the full, original story here: “Washington ag groups oppose GM labeling initiative”

Additional Resources:

• “Many farm groups unite to oppose I-522,” Business Examiner
• “Early Editorials Against GMO Labeling Initiative in Washington State,” Food Safety News