NASDA, NPPC, Applaud USDA Steps to Modernize Animal Biotech Regulations

Livestock and agriculture welcome the recent proposal to shift animal biotech regulations from the FDA to the USDA. The proposal, announced last week by the USDA would move the regulatory framework to the agency.

In a statement, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says, “Using the law as intended by Congress to bring order and efficiency to our current process welcomes innovation and enables our regulatory system to keep pace with science.”

The National Pork Producers Council calls the announcement a “big step forward for America's farmers.” NPPC claims that FDA regulation of gene editing would result in an impractical, lengthy and expensive approval process.

However, the organization counters, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service already has a review process in place for gene editing in plants, which can serve as a model for livestock. USDA's rulemaking has a 60-day comment period. NASDA and NPPC have pledged to submit comments to the proposal.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com