WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Association of Wheat Growers today praised the introduction of a proposal by Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts and called for urgent action from the Committee to move legislation.

Vermont’s mandatory law requiring on-package labels of foods containing ingredients that have been genetically modified takes effect in July, and unless Congress acts swiftly, families, farmers and food companies will face chaos in the market and higher costs. Multiple studies have shown that the associated costs with Vermont’s GMO-labeling law and a subsequent patchwork of state laws will cost American families hundreds of dollars more in groceries each year – with low-income Americans being hit the hardest.

“A patchwork of state-by-state food labeling is unworkable, so it is urgent that Congress take action on the national issue of transparent food labeling,” said NAWG President Brett Blankenship, wheat grower from Washtucna, WA. “Wheat growers are grateful to Chairman Roberts for his leadership to find a common-sense, uniform national food labeling standard, and we look forward to working to ensure this legislation is approved by Congress as quickly as possible.”

Chairman Roberts’ proposal brings consistency and transparency to the marketplace, and will ensure consumers have access to more product information than ever before without stigmatizing a safe, proven technology that is a central part of modern farming. NAWG encourages growers to contact their senators and representatives.