$ AcriGrowrH Growing MIN Pood & Agriculture” 400 Robert Street North Suite 1520 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-2069 September 14,2015 ‘The Honorable Al Franken United States Senate 309 Hart Senate Office Bullding ‘Washington, DC 20510-2305, Dear Senator Franken: On behalf of the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council (AgriGrowth),'m writing to urge ‘your support for the Safe & Accurate Food Labeling Act. ‘The Safe & Accurate Food Labeling Act (H.R. 1599) passed the US. House of Representatives in July on a strong bipartisan vote of 275-150. ‘A majority of Minnesota's U.S, representatives voted for this important legislation, Minnesota's diverse agricultural and food industry thanks Rep. Tim Walz, Rep. John Kline, Rep. Erik Paulsen, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Tom Emmer and Rep. Collin Peterson for voting for the Safe & Accurate Food Labeling Act. ‘The Safe & Accurate Food Labeling Act ensures that Americans will have accurate {Information about their food rather than 50 different standards in 50 states that ‘would create confusion and increased costs for consumers, farmers and food ‘manufacturers. The patchwork approach would result in higher food prices for hardworking American families -as much as $500 a year fora family of four, according toa study by Cornell University Professor William Lesser. ‘This legislation represents a better plan that establishes a USDA-administered. certification and labeling program for non-GMO food products and strengthens the FDA'S role in assuring the safety of foods derived from biotechnology. It provides for food labeling that is science-based, national and uniform across state borders. ‘GMOs have been an important part of our nation’s food supply forthe past 20 years, ‘and 70 to 80 percent of the foods people eatin the United States contain ingredients that have been genetically engineered. In addition, the leading health and regulatory bodies in the world, from the World Health Organization to the American Medical Association, have all concluded GMOs are safe.Page Two ~ Minnesota AgriGrowth Councit Safe & Accurate Food Labeling Act Biotechnology also plays a vital role in Minnesota, representing 93 percent ofall, corn, 94 percent ofall soybeans, and nearly 100 percent of sugar beets grown in the state, GMO crops generate $10.6 billion in receipts annually for Minnesota farmers. ‘AgriGrowth believes itis imperative thatthe U.S. Senate passa bipartisan bill this ‘year to ensure people across our nation continue to have access to consistent science-based standards for food labeling. ‘We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working with you to advance this important legislation. Perry Aakness Executive Director ‘Minnesota AgriGrowth Council