In testimony today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, regarding agriculture biotechnology, the American Soybean Association (ASA) encouraged continued Congressional support for biotechnology and the development and maintenance of markets around the world for products derived from biotechnology.

“American agriculture has enthusiastically embraced the benefits that biotechnology provides in enhancing production efficiency and the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural commodities on world markets,” said ASA Chairman Ron Heck, a soybean producer from Perry, Iowa. “U.S. farm organizations are committed to ensuring broader acceptance of these products internationally, and continued consumer confidence at home. We will work with Congress and the Administration to address unnecessary trade barriers implemented by other countries for biotech commodities.”

ASA told the Committee that market development for biotech-derived products is dependent on public policy that: maintains an unbiased, science-based regulatory system that inspires consumer confidence; works to ensure market access for biotech crops and products domestically and internationally; and creates an environment conducive to the development of new biotech crop varieties.

“Regarding market access, it is critical to ensure open access to world markets for the products of biotechnology,” Heck said. “This is not possible unless science-based approvals are the international standard and discriminatory traceability and labeling laws are vigorously opposed.” Heck singled out the European Union’s (EU) non-science based traceability and labeling laws that have negatively affected U.S. exports to the EU. ASA and 20 other major U.S. food and agriculture organizations have called on the United States to file a World Trade Organization complaint against the EU’s non-science based market access barriers to biotech crops.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the introduction of biotech crops for commercial production. American farmers have seized the opportunity offered by biotechnology to improve their production efficiency. They recognize that the adoption of new technologies is essential in maintaining a competitive advantage for U.S. agricultural exports. The benefits of biotech crops include lower pesticide usage, decreased soil erosion, increased yields, disease-resistance and fuel savings.