Washington, D.C. (September 1, 2020) – A U.S. regulatory system that keeps pace with science will put much-needed tools into the hands of farmers, help combat climate change, and advance sustainable farming practices, according to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).
“BIO strongly believes these modernized regulatory approaches must be science-based and provide meaningful transparency to consumers so we can establish a system that drives innovation over the long term,” said Dr. Clint Nesbitt, BIO’s Senior Director of Science and Regulatory Affairs for Food & Agriculture.
A proposed rule released today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updates the regulatory treatment of Plant-Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) that are developed using new technologies such as gene editing.
“While we are still reviewing the proposal, BIO applauds the Administration for its continuing efforts to modernize the regulatory framework for agricultural biotechnology products consistent with the Executive Order released last year,” said Nesbitt. “An efficient, risk-based regulatory system fosters innovation and paves the way for global solutions such as crops that require fewer chemical inputs and tolerate extreme weather.”
The proposed rule released by EPA today represents an approach that started with development of the National Bioeconomy Blueprint in 2012. In the eight years since, both the Obama and Trump Administrations have initiated regulatory improvements to maintain oversight while recognizing the economic, environmental, and societal benefits of biotechnology.
“BIO will be submitting comments and looks forward to engaging with the agency as it develops a final rule,” said Nesbitt. “We are also continuing our work with stakeholder partners to make sure that any regulatory reform is accompanied by tangible transparency measures that bolster public confidence.”