ACPA to Develop Tests to Quantify Biotech-Enhanced Traits in Grains, Oilseeds

06 December 1999 00:00  [Source: ICB Americas]

The American Crop Protection Association's biotechnology committee says it will continue to collaborate with Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials and other industry representatives to develop methods to evaluate and verify the validity of procedures used to detect and quantify biotechnology-enhanced traits in grains and oilseeds.

Earlier this month, USDA announced it will create a lab at the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration's (GIPSA) Technical Center in Kansas City to establish sampling procedures for testing grains and oilseeds developed through biotechnology.

"ACPA and its member companies applaud the establishment of the reference laboratory and we support efforts to improve the reliability of biotech crop detection methods," says Dr. Leah Porter, executive director of ACPA's biotechnology committee.

"As developers of new seed varieties, ACPA biotech companies recognize their responsibility to provide information that is necessary to determine whether a crop has been developed through biotechnology. They also recognize that the marketplace needs a single, quick, accurate and low-cost test that can detect the full range of biotech crops, and they are committed to actively assist in its development," Dr. Porter adds.

She notes that the biotechnology panel is working closely with commodity groups, grain handlers and marketers on the issue. During the next two months, the committee will actively discuss current needs and future directions.

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