A major new Congressional Committee Report on the benefits and safety of plant genomics and agricultural biotechnology was released by the House Science Subcommittee on Basic Research April 13. Several ASPP members contributed testimony and other assistance in the development of the report. Jim Cook, Mike Thomashow, Ken Keegstra, and John Ryals are ASPP members who were witnesses before the Committee. The report can be found at the following web site:

http://www.house.gov/science

Press materials from the House Science Committee released at a news conference yesterday included comments on the report from several ASPP members including the following:

"This report, better than any other I have seen, presents the science behind our government's decision to proceed with the applications of this biotechnology to the benefit of food, agriculture, and the environment while also giving clear and fair attention to the safety concerns expressed by the critics of agricultural biotechnology." R. James Cook, Washington State University [Jim is a member of the ASPP Committee on Public Affairs.]

"I find the House Science Committee Report on Plant Genomics and Agricultural Biotechnology to be one of the most intelligent and comprehensive analyses of these complicated issues that I have ever read. It provides a very clear description of the goals and benefits of genomics research as well as a very sound risk/benefit analysis relating to the development and use of agricultural biotechnology. One hopes it will be widely-read by all those interested in obtaining a serious analysis of these complex topics." -- Dr. Deborah P. Delmer, Professor, University of California, Davis. (Debby is President of ASPP)

"This welcome assessment of the major issues in the biotechnology debate is an important step in helping all parties understand the science behind the headlines. Plant scientists and agronomists are poised to make major progress in reducing pesticide usage, erosion, and other conflicts between agriculture and environmental concerns. This report examines the most often stated concerns about the technology and debunks many of the myths. The report describes how those of us working on genetically modified plants hope to reduce hunger and disease around the world through more focused crop improvements than have been possible in the past." -- Dr. Thomas D. Sharkey, Professor, Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin [Tom is a member of the ASPP Committee on Public Affairs.]

"This looks like a thorough, thoughtful analysis that considers the opportunities, as well as the criticisms, afforded agriculture by the new genetic enhancement technologies. It's encouraging to read that the report's recommendation is based on careful testing and evaluation of GMO products and not the technology itself. Certainly to date genetically enhanced corn, soybeans and cotton have proven to be safe and valuable products for farmers and consumers. Considering the opportunities afforded by this technology, and the vital role it can play to enhance nutrition, health and the environment, it is vital that we not shelve the technology because of a small group of vocal individuals that don't support its application. There is too much at stake." -- Dr. Brian Larkins, Professor, Department of Plant Science, University of Arizona [Brian is ASPP Past President and a member of the ASPP Committee on Public Affairs.]

"I strongly agree with the conclusions of the report: agriculture biotechnology truly has come of age and is beginning to have major positive impacts on the economics of farming and food industries. There is no doubt that consumers are going to be the ultimate benefactors of the great advances which are coming from modern plant biology research, including genomics." -- Dr. Charles Arntzen, President & CEO, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research (Charlie recently served on the Board of the ASPP Education Foundation.)

Also quoted were Ann Vidaver, Henry Miller and J. Ian Gray.

Following are major portions of a news release on the report from the House Science Committee:

SMITH RELEASES REPORT ON GENETICALLY-MODIFIED PLANTS

(WASHINGTON D.C.) -- Committee on Science Subcommittee on Basic Research Chairman Nick Smith (R-MI) today released a report assessing the benefits and risks of genetically-modified plants and plant-derived foods, and recommending changes in federal regulation.

The report, Seeds of Opportunity, concludes that there is no significant difference between plant varieties created using agricultural biotechnology and similar plants created using traditional crossbreeding. It recommends that regulations at U.S. Department of Agriculture and proposed regulations at the Environmental Protection Agency targeting biotechnology products be changed to focus on the characteristics of a plant, not the process used to develop it.

Smith's report is the culmination of a series of hearings held on agricultural biotechnology issues by the Basic Research Subcommittee last year. It contains 13 specific findings and makes 6 recommendations.

"Agricultural biotechnology holds tremendous potential to provide consumers safe and nutritious foods, feed a growing world population, protect the environment, aid farmers, and lower costs to consumers," Smith said. "Implementing the recommendations in this report would ensure that this potential is fulfilled."

House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) expressed his support for Smith's report stating, "The Seeds of Opportunity report is an important step for American agriculture. This report concludes that there is no distinction between plants bred using biotechnology and those produced through traditional crossbreeding. Biotechnology can play a significant role in the future of agriculture. It can help farmers improve their yields, and decrease their reliance on chemical agents. I'd like to thank Chairman Nick Smith for his leadership on this issue. Because of his efforts, Americans can look forward to a cleaner environment and better, safer produce."

The report addresses many of the concerns surrounding agricultural biotechnology, including the Monarch butterfly, allergens, toxins, antibiotic resistance, and outcrossing. It concludes that plants and foods produced using agricultural biotechnology pose risks no greater than those for plants and foods developed using traditional methods.