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SC Farm Bureau President Testifies Before Congress on Importance of Biotech WASHINGTON, D.C. - In testimony today before a House Agriculture subcommittee, the American Farm Bureau Federation said domestic and international acceptance of biotechnology is essential in maintaining competitive U.S. agricultural exports in the world market. The increase in production of biotech crops in the United States and abroad has increased the importance of developing and maintaining markets, both domestically and internationally. AFBF board member and South Carolina Farm Bureau President David Winkles, who testified on behalf of Farm Bureau, said market development for biotech agricultural products depends on public policy that: Maintains an unbiased, science-based regulatory system that inspires consumer confidence and avoids unnecessary traceability and labeling requirements for biotech commodities; Defends against threats to market access for biotech crops and expands access where current restrictions exist; and Creates an environment conducive to the development of new crop varieties enhanced through biotechnology. "Requiring mandatory labeling and traceability of foods containing commodities enhanced through biotechnology is unnecessary with the regulatory system already in place," said Winkles, discussing the different agencies that monitor biotechnology and provide scientific evaluations of the products. Winkles said that if today's "unbiased, science-based regulatory system" concludes that a product is safe for human consumption, it is unnecessary to require labeling and other restrictions. "Consumers should not be forced to pay the cost of a mandatory traceability and labeling system when the product in question has been approved safe for human consumption." Winkles said. Winkles said it was crucial to resolve biotech trade issues with the European Union quickly to avoid further disruptions, but the task could be daunting. "The EU's current approach to biotechnology is inconsistent with the outcomes obtained from exhaustive scientific risk assessments of biotech products," Winkles told the members. "It is imperative that we work together to secure foreign regulatory acceptance for products enhanced through biotechnology." American agriculture continues to be the world leader in the adoption of agricultural biotechnology, Winkles said. In 2003 biotech crops in the United States accounted for 63 percent of the world's total plantings. "If U.S. agriculture is to maintain its place on the biotechnology frontier, it is imperative that an environment conducive to innovation and adoption of new technologies is fostered," concluded Winkles. "Government and private-sector research and development centers should be reassured that the United States is working to ensure that there will be a market both domestically and internationally for approved products derived from biotechnology."
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