WASHINGTON, May 2, 2013 – In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the United States, joined by the governments of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Paraguay, announced intentions to work to remove global barriers to the trade of agricultural biotechnology.
The governments agreed to work collaboratively to “Promote the application of science-based, transparent and predictable regulatory approaches that foster innovation and ensure a safe and reliable global food supply, including the cultivation and use of agricultural products derived from innovative technologies.”
Allowing for the trade of biotechnology products and removing “unjustified barriers” is expressly written in the statement, as well as working together to “promote synchronization of authorizations by regulatory authorities, in particular for food, feed and processing purposes” in the biotechnology sector.
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), American Soybean Association (ASA), Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) issued a response applauding the step toward greater collaboration.
“The U.S. agriculture sector agrees that a particular area of concern is the timeliness and efficiency of global regulatory systems,” noted the agricultural groups. “In the joint statement, the like-minded governments have highlighted their intention to promote synchronization of authorizations by regulatory authorities – in particular for food, feed and processing purposes.”
They noted that the six countries provide the vast majority of corn and soybean supply in international markets. The joint statement can be found here.
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