Not surprisingly there are differing views on USDA’s proposal to update regulations covering genetically engineered ag products, with several farm organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture voicing their support.
However, others like the National Grain and Feed Association and other grain handling groups have expressed concerns about the plan.
In a letter to USDA this week, AFBF, NASDA and several others said they welcomed the USDA plan as it would "greatly reduces unnecessary regulatory hurdles" for developers of genetically engineered crops.
Meanwhile, NGFA and others maintain that the USDA plan would potentially increase uncertainty as it “risks undermining consumer acceptance and international regulatory recognition of APHIS’s regulatory oversight.” They also called on the agency to hold off its rules until FDA and EPA take similar regulatory decisions.