Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products

2019-06-14Executive Order 13874
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Directs Federal Agencies to Modernize Rules for Agricultural Biotechnology

What it does: Agencies must review and streamline biotechnology regulations, establish a single web portal for coordinated guidance, and update guidance to remove undue barriers.

Real World Impact:
  • Lowers regulatory hurdles for developers of biotech crops and animals.
  • Creates a single online portal for coordinated agency responses to inquiries.
  • Aims to expand export markets by promoting international acceptance of biotech products.
Topics: agriculture, biotechnology regulation, trade policy, government transparency, science and innovation

Summary

This order directs federal agencies to modernize how agricultural biotechnology products—such as genetically engineered plants and animals—are regulated. Agencies must review and streamline rules, use existing authority to exempt low-risk products, design a unified web-based platform to give coordinated guidance to developers, and update guidance for genome-edited specialty crop plants.

It affects developers (including small private firms and academic institutions), farmers, consumers, and exporters by aiming to lower unnecessary regulatory barriers, build public confidence, and increase United States market access abroad.

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