VIA EMAIL AND HAND-DELIVERY

June 24, 2015

The Honorable Tim Walz
United States House of Representatives
1034 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2301
Dear Representative Walz:
As representatives of farmers and food manufacturers in Minnesota, we strongly support the need for a
voluntary national non-GMO labeling standard. The undersigned companies and organizations
respectfully request that you cosponsor H.R. 1599, the Safe & Accurate Food Labeling Act.
At $74 billion in output, Minnesotas agricultural and food sector ranks second only to manufacturing in
terms of overall economic impact to the state. Biotechnology plays a vital role in Minnesota,
representing 93 percent of all corn, 94 percent of all soybeans, and nearly 100% of all sugar beets grown in
the state. In fact, GMO crops generate $10.6 billion in cash receipts annually for Minnesota farmers.
Despite the scientific consensus of regulatory and scientific authorities in the U.S. and throughout the
world that these ingredients are safe, we have seen attempts at the state level to mandate labels for foods
that contain ingredients grown with biotechnology. In fact, the state of Vermont has adopted such a law
requiring companies to label beginning in July, 2016. A state-by-state approach to labeling is not only
confusing to consumers, but also creates an enormous functional challenge to food companies with
national supply chain distribution systems. Further, such an approach would result in higher food prices
for hard working American families as much as $500 a year for a family of four, according to a study by
Cornell University Professor William Lesser.
We believe there can be a better way forward for consumers, farmers and food manufacturers. In addition
to establishing a voluntary USDA-administered certification and labeling program for non-GMO food
products, H.R. 1599 would affirm and strengthen FDAs role in assuring the safety of foods derived from
biotechnology and ensure that labeling is science-based, national and uniform across state borders. This
legislation would provide a reliable way to deliver consistent information to consumers across the country.
We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working with you to advance this important
legislation.
Sincerely,
American Crystal Sugar Company

Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative

Bongards Creameries

Minnesota AgriGrowth Council

Cargill, Inc.

Minnesota Beverage Association

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Chicken and Egg Association of Minnesota

Minnesota Corn Growers Association

CHS Inc.

Minnesota Crop Production Retailers

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Minnesota Grain and Feed Association

Davis Family Dairies

Minnesota Milk Producers Association

First District Association

Minnesota Pork Producers Association

General Mills, Inc.

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

GNP Company

Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association

Hormel Foods Corporation

Minnesota Turkey Growers Association

Kraft Foods Group Inc.

Minnesota Wheat Growers Association

Land O' Lakes, Inc.

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative

Michael Foods, Inc.

The Schwan Food Company

Midwest Food Processors Association

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