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:
Developing research and testing to enhance adoption of biotechnology products and processes, and address consumer safety and environmental concerns.
Funding from companies that develop this technology to educate the public on the safety and benefits of biotechnology.
Developing a positive national strategy for the further growth of biotechnology research and the swift dissemination of accurate information to consumers concerning biotechnology products.
U.S. government agencies, particularly the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), continue to serve their role in providing unbiased, science-based evaluations concerning human and animal safety and wholesomeness, as well as the environmental impacts of biotechnology-enhanced commodities. These agencies should evaluate if improvements could be made to the regulatory approval process to enhance consumer confidence.
Developing standardized testing procedures to ensure accurate, timely and cost-effective analysis of biotechnology products throughout the production and marketing chain.
The U.S. government to use all available means to improve international understanding of the science-based process used by agencies when approving biotechnology-enhanced commodities.
Initiatives that assist in the research, development and regulatory clearance of specialty crop biotechnology products.
Michigan Farm Bureau proactively educating members and consumers about the advantages and potential of biotechnology, including the use of the FARM Science Lab.
Strong patent protection to encourage these new technologies.
An expedited process for the approval of edible and non-edible genetically engineered plant material beneficial to the agricultural/horticultural/floricultural industry through the FDA and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Allowing farmers to use their own crop as seed as long as they pay the technology fee for the seed they use.
Communication with end users to identify specific needs to promote value-added trait development.
The voluntary approach taken by the biotechnology industry allowing further development of agriceuticals and research while protecting our commercial production. Seed purity (identity preservation) is critical in maintaining consumer and processor confidence in agricultural products.
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.
The U.S. developing a uniform, science-based international approval process for biotechnology.
The free choice of farmers to grow what they want, whether it be biotech or non-biotech products.
Public and private efforts to continue research on non-biotech seed.
The U.S. producer should not have to pay for this technology, development, and marketing alone; all purchasers should share the research cost.
Food products utilizing biotechnology that have been scientifically proven safe should not be discriminated against by unfair labeling requirements that are not required of other industries using biotechnology. No products should be released for commercial production until approved for both human and animal utilization.
We oppose attempts to limit the production or use of genetically modified crops or animals, based on 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 attempts to limit the utilization of approved use of biotechnology in production agriculture.