By a vote of 306 -117, the United States House of Representatives passed the GMO Labeling Bill. The bill now moves to President Obama for his signature.

“We are pleased that the house passed the GMO Labeling Bill,” said Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Theresia Gillie. “We want to end the confusion of state labeling and hopefully eliminate any fear that goes with GM foods.”

The GMO Labeling Bill, which passed with bipartisan support in both congressional bodies, will give authority to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a national standard for labeling food items that may contain genetically modified ingredients.

This bill will preempt states from creating their own, individual labels.

“We know the GM crops we grow are safe and now consumers will have access to the information they want when shopping in the grocery store,” Gillie said.

Gillie and nine other Minnesota soybean farmers were in Washington, D.C., earlier this week meeting with representatives. Many of the conversations included discussion on the GMO Labeling Bill.

Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., abstained from voting while all other Minnesota representatives voted in favor of the bill.