(Editor’s note: This is the sixth installment in our seven-part in-depth editorial series where we look ahead at “Farm & Food 2040.” This story focuses on the expanding use of marketing and product differentiation available through food labels and how consumers digest that buffet of information.)

The European Union Court of Justice’s recent decision that new gene-editing techniques must go through the same lengthy approval process as traditional transgenic genetically modified plants has sent shock waves around the world and its greatest impact will be on those who are hungry and food insecure.

While all eyes in the agriculture community are on the farm bill, there is a lot of regulatory activity underway. 

USDA’s Sid Abel and Doug McKalip just briefed me on the new regulatory framework that is shaping up for the oversight of plants modified by what they are now calling “plant breeding innovations.” 

In a victory for environmental activists, Europe’s highest court said today that crops created by gene editing should fall under laws restricting the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The public’s attitude toward genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food is difficult to define, as illustrated by the results of two surveys released today. One found that GMO labels in Vermont lessened consumer fears, while another found that half the American public had human health concerns when shown a bottle of cooking oil with a “BE” label.

U.S. consumers are putting more trust in government agencies when it comes to food and nutrition information. That’s according to the latest survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a proposed rule to implement the landmark legislation requiring some form of disclosure of biotech ingredients on food packaging.