Alexandria, Virginia
October 6, 2008
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is pleased by
today's announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding their
next step in updating the agency's regulations for genetically
engineered organisms. Regulations must evolve as science evolves
so that innovation can progress in a responsible manner. As part
of the process to revise its regulations for plant
biotechnology, APHIS released a proposed rule to revise its
regulations (7 CFR Part 340) governing agricultural
biotechnology.
ASTA's President and CEO Andy Lavigne issued the following
statement:
"The United States has a history of implementing a science-based
approach to agricultural biotechnology. Biotechnology is one of
many innovative tools in the seed industry used to continue to
provide farmers with higher yielding and better quality
products. It is critical that APHIS' regulatory and safety
determinations be made based on the most current and sound
science. As the science of biotechnology advances, the
regulatory system governing it must keep pace. ASTA looks
forward to reviewing the proposed rule and providing comments to
APHIS."
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA),
located in Alexandria, Va., is one of the oldest trade
organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of
about 750 companies involved in seed production and
distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North
America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates
science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is
to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed
worldwide. |
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