In May 2006, the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) held a workshop examining issues relating to the federal regulatory system governing agricultural biotechnology—known as the Coordinated Framework—and the appropriate role for state agriculture agencies in that system.

The workshop, which took place in San Diego, CA, was the third in a series of workshops sponsored by the Pew Initiative and NASDA. Participants included representatives from state and federal regulatory agencies and Departments of Agriculture, as well as several experts in food safety, plant and animal health, pesticide law and the regulation of genetically engineered (GE) plants, animals and microbes. All gathered to discuss lessons learned from state experiences navigating the current regulatory scheme and to explore and develop potential models and ideas for enhancing communication and collaboration between state and federal representatives in navigating the Coordinated Framework and the oversight of GE crops and animals.

Highlights include:

• The Coordinated Framework does not contemplate the involvement of state government agencies in the regulatory process. At the same time, the Coordinated Framework does not preclude the cooperation that exists between state and federal agencies, and some of the laws governing the regulation of agricultural biotechnology require interaction between state and federal regulators.

• State agricultural officials have an obligation to protect the safety and economic interests of the residents in their states. This obligation prompts states to develop more formal partnerships with their federal counterparts.

• States do not seek to be co-equal partners with the federal government in the regulation of agricultural biotechnology, however, state agricultural officials often find they must answer to farmers, the media, state legislatures, and the interested public on these issues.

• Some state laws exist regarding biotechnology, requiring state agencies to act regardless of the actions of the federal government.

• Many state officials acknowledge the need to more fully understand the complex federal regulatory system, so they can better consider how to communicate and partner with relevant federal agencies and better meet the twin objectives of protecting public health and environment and promoting wholesome agricultural products.

• Many state officials seek to formalize a proper level of cooperation, coordination and collaboration between federal and state agencies on biotechnology issues.

An overview of the conference agenda and the full paper from the workshop, entitled Opportunities and Challenges: States and the Federal Coordinated Framework Governing Agricultural Biotechnology, can be viewed at: http://pewagbiotech.org/events/0524/.

In addition, proceedings from the first workshop on sharing confidential business information between state and federal agencies involved in agricultural biotechnology oversight, can be found at: http://pewagbiotech.org/events/1214/.

Proceedings from the second workshop on potential options for advancing peaceful coexistence in the marketplace and understanding the existing and future roles of the public and private sectors in achieving this goal, are available at: http://pewagbiotech.org/events/0301/