Agri Coalitions Offer Suggestions for US Biotech Framework

ISAAA; February 22, 2023

Grain and oilseed groups forwarded their comments to the White House of Science and Technology (OSTP) to call for more transparency, better communication, and broader accountability of the US government agencies in developing and commercializing biotech products in the country.

The coalitions recommended some amendments in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, which was last updated in 2017. They affirmed their support for biotech applications in agriculture and raised concerns about transparency and the ambiguity in agency jurisdictions that make it difficult to predict the timeframe of biotech product approvals. Additional agencies were also suggested to be involved in the regulatory process, such as the Agricultural Marketing Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and the Office of the US Trade Representatives.

The collective comments were submitted by the North American Millers' Association, American Frozen Food Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils, National Grain and Feed Association, National Grocers Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, and the North American Export Grain.

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