BIO Released the Following Statement After Yesterday’s Announcement From the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Sharing Its Final Notice Exemption for Additional Modification Plants

“The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) applauds today's announcement from the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) expanding the scope of biotechnology exemptions for modified plants under 7 CFR part 340. This promising update supports the latest advancements in science and biotechnology, encouraging innovation across a broader range of agricultural products. This progress toward aligning regulations with conventional breeding methods helps ensure that new, safe products can be brought to market more swiftly and efficiently, benefiting consumers and supporting sustainable agriculture.

“BIO played a key role in urging the agency to consider these exemptions and believes these modifications will enable not only major biotech firms but also smaller businesses and academic institutions to drive cutting-edge agricultural development, benefiting both the U.S. economy and global food security.

“This inclusion of stakeholder input—considering nearly 6,500 comments—is a testament to APHIS’ commitment to transparency and collaboration. BIO looks forward to working with the agency to further reduce barriers for innovators and expand the diversity of crops developed through biotechnology.”

About BIO
BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.