Late this afternoon the Legislature’s Maine Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) finalized wording and voted 8-5 in favor of L.D. 718, Maine’s historic Right to Know GMO Labeling bill. ACF sent what supporters hope will be the nation’s first GMO labeling law for a debate and vote in the Maine House Representatives. A controversial “Infant Formula” amendment which would have exempted a wide range of highly processed food products was defeated by the ACF committee.
Eight members of the ACF committee cast their votes in favor of LD 718: Sen. Troy Jackson (D-Aroostook), co-chair; Sen. Jim Boyle (D-Cumberland); Rep. Jim Dill (D-Old Town), co-chair; Rep. Craig Hickman (D-Winthrop); Rep. Bill Noon (D-Sanford); Rep. Bob Saucier (D-Presque Isle); Rep. Peter Kent (D-Woolwich); Rep. Brian Jones (D-Freedom).
Action in the Maine House could come as early as next week.