American Soybean Association’s (ASA) Biotech Working Group braved the snow to travel to Wilmington, Delaware last week for their annual winter meeting.

During the meeting, members participated in discussions about Emerging Technologies in Biotech Creation with Jane DeMarchi, Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, ASTA; Food Labeling – Next Steps and Implications featuring Kelly Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs, Campbell Soup Company; and an update from the U.S. Biotech Crops Alliance.

DeMarchi’s presentation focused on the new technology behind precision plant breeding techniques, and together with the group discussed the need over the coming months to establish messaging that will adequately explain in common terms what is a very in-depth and technical concept. A key challenge, said DeMarchi, is going to be ensuring that the new technology doesn’t fall victim to the rhetoric that has engulfed the discussion over GMOs in the U.S.

Campbell Soup’s, Johnston provided the group with an extensive overview of his company’s new position on the labeling of GMO content in its products, including consumer data and reasoning behind the Campbell’s shift on the position.

Grower members of the Biotech Working Group also had the opportunity to tour Stine-Haskell Research Center.

ASA’s Biotech Working Group provides a consultative forum for the soy biotech industry with key soybean industry and association grower leadership on a consistent basis. The forum provides grower leaders the opportunity to review the progress of individual company traits, engage in dialogue and provide feedback along with the needed support and advocacy to advance approvals for new technologies.

The next meeting of the Biotech Working Group will be in early fall 2016.