The American Soybean Association (ASA) Biotech Working Group met in Boston earlier this week to discuss issues impacting the biotech industry and farming.

The Biotech Working Group includes representatives from industry biotech trait providers, along with farmer-leaders and staff from ASA, the United Soybean Board (USB) and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

The meeting began with remarks from Ashley Allen, sustainability senior manager for climate and land with Mars, Inc., and Autumn Price, vice president of government affairs with Land O’ Lakes, Inc.  The two guest speakers shared their company’s perspectives on GMOs, new plant breeding innovations, biotech labeling concerns, consumer demands and sustainability.

Following their presentation, Renee Munasifi, from ASA’s Washington office, provided an update on the Bioengineered Food Disclosure law. ASA Washington representative Hanna Abou-El-Seoud and USSEC representative Roz Leeck reported on trade concerns and international market approvals.

The meeting concluded with a short discussion of current efforts underway by ASA, USB and USSEC to address the future of plant breeding innovations, which hold great potential for the development of new varieties that address environmental challenges and meet the changing needs of farmers and consumers.

The Biotech Working Group will gather again for a meeting this winter. For more information on the group, click here.