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#11 BIOTECHNOLOGY
We support the development of research and testing that will enhance the adoption of biotechnology products and processes, and address consumer safety and environmental concerns. Biotechnology offers tremendous benefits to society, including being able to increase production while preserving scarce natural resources to ease world hunger, and to tailor-design agricultural products for specific health, nutritional and industrial purposes. We support more funding from companies that develop this technology to educate the public on the safety and benefits of biotechnology. We support the development of a positive national strategy for the further development of biotechnology research and favor the swift dissemination of accurate information to consumers concerning biotechnology products. We urge:
• U.S. government agencies, particularly the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration, continue to serve their respective roles in providing unbiased, scientifically-based evaluations concerning human and animal safety and wholesomeness, as well as the environmental impacts, of biotechnology-enhanced commodities. U.S. government agencies should evaluate whether there are improvements in the regulatory approval process that could be made to further enhance consumer confidence.
• The development of standardized testing procedures to ensure accurate, timely and cost-effective analysis of biotech products throughout the entire production and marketing chain.
• The U.S. government to use all available means to improve international understanding of the science-based process used by U.S. agencies when approving biotechnology-enhanced commodities.
• Initiatives that assist in the research, development and regulatory clearance of specialty crop biotechnology products.
• Michigan Farm Bureau take a proactive approach to educating members and consumers about the advantages and potential of biotechnology.
We recognize the need for strong patent protection to encourage these new technologies. The U.S. producer should not have to pay for this technology, development, and marketing cost alone. All purchasers should share in the cost of this research. We support the concept of allowing farmers to use their own crop as seed as long as they pay the technology fee for the seed they use. We encourage public and private efforts to conduct more research on non-biotech seed. We support communication with end users to identify specific needs to promote value-added trait development.
Food products utilizing biotechnology that have been scientifically proven safe should not be discriminated against by unfair labeling requirements. No biotech products should be released for commercial production until approved for both human and animal utilization. We support the voluntary approach taken by the biotech industry that allows for further development of agriceuticals and research while still protecting our commercial production. Seed purity (identity preservation) is critical in maintaining both consumer and processor confidence in agricultural products. Therefore, we support the common practice followed by the seed industry (as well as outlined under the USDA organic practices) that the burden of maintaining genetic purity falls solely upon the producer of the identity-preserved crop as far as needed buffer strips and other cultural practices. Users of biotech seeds should follow planting restrictions and requirements.
We support active involvement by the U.S. in the development of a uniform scientifically-based international approval process for biotechnology.
We oppose all attempts to limit the production or use of genetically modified crops or animals, based upon unproven statements and unsubstantiated fears.
We are concerned about the potential loss of current technology, production and management tools that have fostered advancements in agriculture, and will oppose all attempts which limit the utilization of approved use of biotechnology in the production of agricultural products.
