Biotech Updates

APHIS Reopens Public Comment Period on New Biotech Rules

January 23, 2009

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will be extending the public comment period on its proposed biotech rule changes. The USDA agency announced late last year its intent to revise existing regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of certain genetically modified organisms.

More than 15,000 comments were sent to APHIS during the initial comment period. “This overwhelming reaction shows the significance of the proposed biotech rule changes,” noted Cindy Smith, administrator of APHIS.  APHIS says that it is extending the period to allow more time for interested parties to prepare and submit comments. The agency is particularly interested in receiving comments related to the regulation of GM crops that produce pharmaceutical and industrial compounds, elimination of the notification procedure, and incorporation of the noxious weed provisions of the Plant Protection Act into the proposed regulations.

APHIS will consider comments received on or before March 17, 2009.

The proposed rule is available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/. Read the press release at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/01/biotecreg.shtml