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From October 18 to October 20, a panel of scientific experts will hear science- based
presentations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describing the data used
to make regulatory decisions on the Bt crops approved to date.
(http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap). Public comments also will be heard prior to beginning
the review of data the EPA has compiled on the benefits and risks of insect-protected
crops developed through biotechnology. Corn and cotton have been modified to contain a
gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which controls specific targeted
insects. The products, the first of which was registered for use by EPA in 1995, are due
for re-registration in 2001.
EPA has consulted its Science Advisory Panel (SAP) since it was created in 1975 pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FIFRA gives EPA authority to regulate pesticides, including plant-incorporated protectants - created through biotechnology. The panel provides scientific advice to EPA on issues related to pesticides. In addition to a standing panel of scientists, panels are appointed on an ad hoc basis to address specific issues -- the panel on issues pertaining to the Bt plant pesticides is an ad hoc group. It consists of approximately 40 scientists from various universities and research institutions who have expertise in several fields, including entomology, toxicology, ecology, environmental biology and applied economics.
The role of the SAP has been expanded to that of a peer review body, similar to the process used by scientific journals to assess the scientific merit of submitted papers. In this case, the SAP will review EPA's assessment of data collected relative to continued registration of Bt cotton and corn. EPA recently released a preliminary assessment of the risks and benefits of Bt technology. This document addresses such topics as safety to non-target species such as monarch butterflies, food safety, potential for pollen flow to other plants, environmental fate and insect resistance. It also discusses benefits of Bt technology. The SAP will review EPA's assessment for thoroughness and scientific accuracy. The panel will also hear comments from the public and assess whether there are issues EPA may have failed to consider in its assessment.
After the review, the SAP will prepare a report of its conclusions. EPA will use the report in reaching its decision on re-registration eligibility.
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