News Releases

DATE:	July 12, 2007
CONTACT:	Bernice Slutsky, Ph.D.
	(703) 837-8140

ASTA Welcomes Release for Comment of USDA Biotechnology Regulatory Impact Statement

Alexandria, Va. – The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) welcomed today’s release by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of an environmental impact statement that outlines potential revisions to APHIS regulations governing agricultural biotechnology.

“Innovative tools such as biotechnology are key to the continued ability of the U.S. seed industry to provide farmers and consumers with higher yielding, better quality and value-added products, and APHIS has been part of the robust U.S. regulatory system that oversees their safe development and use,” said ASTA President and CEO Andrew W. LaVigne. “Ensuring that these regulations reflect the science of the day is vital to the agency’s ability to regulate and safeguard agricultural biotechnology products, including seed.”

The ASTA executive noted that the release of the EIS for public input is an important first step in a process to make certain that regulations evolve along with scientific advances.

“Getting input from stakeholders is a key first step toward building that strong foundation for the future,” LaVigne said.

It is critical that APHIS’ regulatory and safety determinations be made based on the most current and sound science that is available, LaVigne stated.

“As the science of biotechnology advances, the regulatory system governing it must keep pace,” said LaVigne. “If it doesn’t, then agricultural producers and consumers alike will lose out.”

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Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), located in Alexandria, VA, is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 900 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide.