Farmer Perspective Brought to Biotech Regulatory Discussions

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) brought the farmers' perspective on important conversations during the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) public comment meeting held at the University of California, Davis on June 13, 2017. The public meeting, which was the second of three, allowed the opportunity to provide input on the proposed rule that would modify the science-based federal regulatory framework that regulates the use of genetically engineered organisms in agriculture.

Leon Corzine, NCGA past president, and Freedom to Operate Action Team Vice Chair Brandon Hunnicutt both spoke at the meeting, providing insight into the impact that such regulations have upon farmers. They emphasized the importance of biotech tools, and stressed the value farmers place on regulatory efficiency and transparency in a system based solidly on science. Farmer leaders urged the officials present at the meeting to refine the proposal so that USDA can chart a path forward for agricultural biotechnology and products derived from other precision breeding tools that offers regulatory relief and consistency.

During the meeting, comments noted that farmers have a strong interest in reducing the regulatory burden that stifles innovation and suppresses competition. Farmers expressed the need to maintain access to tools that will allow them to quickly react to increasing environmental challenges. The first session was conducted in Kansas City on June 6, while the final session will be held in Riverdale, Maryland.

Read more at the NCGA website.