Deal on GMO Labeling

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In this week’s sustainable agriculture news the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition announces job openings and discusses farmworker safety rules and a new deal on GMO Labeling in the Senate.

Appropriations Bills Would Block Clean Water and Farmworker Safety Rules – Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had finalized the Clean Water Rule, a rule intended to clarify the scope of the agency’s jurisdiction over the “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Lawmakers opposed to the Clean Water Rule recognize that judicial stays don’t last forever, and are therefore scrambling to get legislation in place (through backdoor “riders” attached to annual spending bills) to permanently block it.

Key Senators Reach Deal on GMO Labeling – While GMO debate moved rapidly in the House, things in the traditionally more deliberative Senate took a slower route. In March 2016 a similarly weak GMO labeling bill, which had squeaked through the Senate Agriculture Committee, was defeated 48-49 – far short of the 60 votes needed for passage. Several months of behind the scenes negotiating later, however, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced on Thursday, June 23 they had reached a deal.

NSAC NEWS

NSAC is Hiring a Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator – Know a talented grassroots organizer with a passion for sustainable agriculture? NSAC is currently seeking a Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator to join our DC team. Visit our jobs page to learn more about the position and how to apply.

NSAC is Hiring a New Policy DirectorNSAC, as part of a planned transition process, is hiring its first new Policy Director since the coalition was formed. We are seeking an extraordinary individual who would like to lead our policy work in DC and represent the voices of our 100+ member organization on the Hill.