The Mower County board is staying out of the GMO debate.

The county unanimously voted Tuesday to take no action after it received a request to write a letter to Congress in support of more food labeling to denote genetically modified ingredients.

However, county board members said it’s a federal issue and not something the board should weigh in on.

“I don’t know why the counties would get involved in this,” Commissioner Mike Ankeny said.

Commissioner Jerry Reinartz agreed, noting it’s an issue the board has no control over and it’s just lobbyists looking for support.

“To me, it’s not part of our responsibilities as a county board,” he said.

Board members were approached to discuss the issue while attending a conference.