As a member of the Ag Biotech Alliance, ASA drafted a letter from the coalition in response to USDA’s open comment period on proposed regulatory exemptions for certain plant modifications resulting from genetic engineering. The letter drew 60 co-signers.
While generally supportive of USDA’s proposed exemptions, the coalition offered several recommendations to foster a more inclusive and scientifically sound approach to benefit both the agricultural community and consumers. Specifically in its comments, the coalition recommends:
- Allopolyploid Crops Inclusion: The proposal extends full use of the exemptions to diploid and autopolyploid crops but unjustifiably restricts their use for allopolyploid crops (wheat, cotton, canola, peanuts, etc.). The comments urge USDA to extend the exemptions to all crops and provides documentation to warrant doing so.
- Clarification on Foreign DNA: The language regarding the use of foreign DNA in crops requires clarification. The comments encourage USDA to define clear guidelines differentiating between a plant that uses foreign DNA that is then removed and a plant that retains the foreign DNA. This clarity is essential for researchers and developers to navigate regulatory expectations effectively.
- Expanded Plant Variety Edits: Permitting additional edits to plant varieties that the USDA has previously reviewed would promote continuous innovation. The comments urge USDA to consider this adjustment to expand the scope of safe plant varieties that can use the exemptions.
- Lifting the Subjective Cap on Edits: The proposed limit of four simultaneous edits places a subjective cap on researchers and developers. The letter advocates for a flexible approach that allows for a science-based determination of the appropriate number of edits, fostering innovation and breakthroughs in plant breeding.
Why it matters: This proposal will be critical for advancing applications of gene editing in agriculture as the industry faces mounting issues like climate change and a growing population to feed. Gene editing is an important tool that can enhance the sustainability of crop production, develop crop varieties more resistant to pests or to better utilize nutrients, and help meet agricultural production needs without entering significant new areas of land into production.
