ASTA Statement on USDA's New Proposed Rule On Agriculture Innovation

Alexandria, VA (June 5, 2019) — The following is a statement from American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andy LaVigne in reference to USDA’s new proposed rule (SECURE) to update APHIS’ regulations in a number of areas within its current statutory authority under the Plant Protection Act:

“We’re pleased that USDA is taking much-needed action to update our nation’s policies to reflect the latest scientific advancements in agriculture. As plant scientists continue the rapid pace of discovery in plant genetics and biology, it’s critical that the U.S. lead with policies that reflect, and support, the ongoing evolution of plant breeding.

“Public and private sector plant-scientists around the world are investing in a great deal of research across a wide variety of crops—with exciting potential for our planet, our health and our food. However, in order for these benefits to be fully realized, and widely adopted across breeding programs of all sizes and sectors, developers need clear, science-based policy direction.

“Long-term, sustainable food production requires continued application of innovations, like gene editing, that allow us to develop more resilient crops that can withstand climate change and other rapidly evolving threats to our crops. Beyond important farmer and environmental benefits, newer breeding methods can also allow us to produce healthier, more nutritious varieties of many of the foods we know and love, to meet consumer demand and contribute to global food security.

“We appreciate the recognition USDA makes in the proposal that applications of gene editing can result in plant varieties that are essentially equivalent to varieties developed through more traditional breeding methods, and we look forward to submitting detailed comments in the coming weeks to ensure the final rule provides consistent, workable policies that foster continued innovation in the plant breeding sector.”


BIO Statement on USDA Proposed Rule for Biotechnology Regulations

Washington, DC (June 5, 2019) - The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of proposed revisions to its biotechnology regulations, referred to by the agency as the “SECURE” rule.

The following statement may be attributed to Dana O’Brien, executive vice president of BIO’s food & agriculture section:

“BIO appreciates USDA’s diligent approach in undertaking this important biotechnology rulemaking and the agency’s overall commitment to improving predictability and pre-market oversight based on actual risk. We are thoroughly reviewing the proposal with our members as well as with key stakeholders and look forward to engaging with USDA in the coming weeks.

“A functional, predictable, legally defensible, and science-based regulatory infrastructure must be accompanied by credible, proactive transparency measures if we are to spur continued investment in and long-term success for the biology-driven innovations that are improving our planet, health, and food. These advancements, driven by a deep understanding of biology and genetics, are at the very heart of BIO’s mission and membership.

“Looking forward, BIO will continue its emphasis on bolstering the benefits-driven dialogues that are helping identify shared values and energize consumer understanding and acceptance.”

BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIOtechNOW is BIO's blog chronicling “innovations transforming our world” and the BIO Newsletter is the organization’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Subscribe to the BIO Newsletter.


NSP Statement on Proposed USDA Biotechnology Regulations

Washington, DC (June 5, 2019) – National Sorghum Producers Board of Directors Chairman Dan Atkisson, a sorghum farmer from Stockton, Kansas, made the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed new SECURE rule, which updates biotechnology regulations and other agriculture innovations.

"National Sorghum Producers appreciates the efforts of Secretary Perdue and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in aggressively pursuing the needed updates to USDA’s 30+ year biotechnology regulations. Innovations through new breeding methods are vital to sorghum growers achieving improved production, meeting sustainability goals and maintaining our competitiveness in the global marketplace. We have been encouraged by the level of engagement and transparency USDA has displayed while evaluating this important issue. NSP looks forward to reviewing the biotechnology proposal and submitting substantive comments to further assist the department toward final rule making."

National Sorghum Producers represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.