The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), a US-based inter-sectoral group for biotechnology information, advocacy and business support, launched “Excellence through Stewardship: Advancing Best Practices in Agricultural Biotechnology”. This industry-coordinated effort aims to enhance regulatory compliance and product quality for consumers. BIO says the program intends to promote the responsible management of agricultural biotechnology; the continued adoption of plant biotechnology globally; and the enhanced value of biotech-derived plant products in the marketplace.
The three main components of the program are:

• Adoption of quality management principles and management practices for maintaining plant product integrity that outline the basic tenets of the Excellence through Stewardship program.
• Publication of a Quality Management Program Guide for BIO member companies and others involved in agricultural biotechnology research and development to use for understanding and implementing their own best practices.
• Adoption of an independent, third-party Stewardship Audit Program designed to verify implementation of stewardship programs, and confirm quality management systems and compliance with principles and management practices.

Read BIO’s press release at http://www.bio.org.