The American Soybean Association (ASA) and other national farm organizations commented on the recent review of the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and performed by several White House agencies.

In their letter, ASA, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Sorghum Producers expressed support for the role the Coordinated Framework has played in bringing biotech products to the market, allowing producers to improve weed and insect management and conservation practices, while reducing pesticide and fertilizer use.

They also applauded efforts to update the Coordinated Framework to clarify the responsibilities and improve coordination between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in reviewing and, when appropriate, deregulating new biotech products.

The groups made clear, however, that any changes to current policies should be transparent and continue to use sound science as the basis for decision-making. They also stressed the importance of considering the impact of any changes in how the U.S. regulates products on foreign biotech approval systems, and on the potential for disruption in international trade.  In this regard, the groups urged that our regulatory agencies consult with other governments and with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to minimize any adverse trade impacts.