Biotechnology

Overview

Corn growers have a strong interest in the availability of new technologies to enhance the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. Improved seeds derived from biotechnology provide farmers with better choices to combat weather and pest challenges and help feed a growing global population. It is imperative that the U.S. continues to lead the way with innovation and acceptance of biotechnology crops.

NCGA supports the continued coexistence of different cropping systems to facilitate grower and consumer choice without undermining the goals of environmental sustainability.

Recommended Action

• Work with members of the agricultural commodity value chain to establish improved, more consistent and transparent communication regarding issues related to the development, cultivation or delivery of agricultural products derived from biotechnology.
• Reaffirm the need to develop and implement cohesive domestic and international low-level presence policies in order to avoid costly trade disruptions.
• Support the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts to provide guidance for voluntary labeling that indicates if foods have been developed using bioengineering to identify attributes that are important to consumers in a manner that is truthful and not misleading.
• Continue to educate growers about refuge requirements and proper stewardship of biotechnology products.