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 premier biotechnology advocacy organization representing biotech companies, industry leaders, and state biotech associations in the United States and more than 35 countries around the globe. BIO members range from biotech start-ups to some of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies – all united by the same goal: to develop medical and scientific breakthroughs that prevent and fight disease, restore health, and improve patients’ lives. BIO also organizes the BIO International Convention and a series of annual conferences that drive partnerships, investment, and progress within the sector. Learn more at bio.org