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Nov 07, 2017
On November 6, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that it is withdrawing the proposed Part 34o rule, which would have updated how the Agency regulates biotechnology. In their press release, they stated they will “re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health.”
ASA, along with many other ag organizations, commented on the rule after it was first proposed in January of this year. While ASA supported the positive message that the Department outlined regarding certain gene-editing techniques, ASA’s comments reflected the need to significantly revise the rest of the rule arguing that as written, it would have stifled innovation and increased the regulatory burden on the agriculture industry.
ASA will continue to engage with the agency to promote innovation and advancements in agriculture while advocating for a science-based regulatory system for biotechnology.
More information will be posted on USDA’s website as it becomes available: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/news
