“GM” Food Labels, Gene Editing, & the Future of Agriculture

In a presentation to the State Agricultural & Rural Leaders Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit in Baton Rouge, LA, Val Giddings argued that the GMO labeling controversy has been rendered largely moot with the passage in 2016 of a mandatory federal disclosure requirement, though controversies can be expected as regulations to implement the law are developed. Meanwhile, a menagerie of precision gene modification techniques referred to as gene editing is delivering unparalleled precision capabilities for humans to improve plants, animals, microbes, and medical treatments for the benefit of humanity.