The US government has regulated genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under
the "Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology" (Coordinated
Framework). In January 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a proposed rule
to revise the Agency's biotechnology regulations.

In comments submitted recently to the USDA, industry stakeholders applauded
the Agency's proposed rule, but has also called out a number of proposed
revisions as improperly expanding the Agency's review process in certain
respects which could effectively hamstring developers before they can even
begin testing products.

In a separate set of comments, the National Grain and Feed Association and
other organizations representing companies that process and export grain and
oilseeds, urged USDA to withdraw the proposed rule on the basis that USDA
did not consult with foreign markets and international regulators in
preparing the proposed rule to ensure they would approve U.S. crop traits
that would be commercialized under the proposed new system.

[www.natlawreview.com]
r-proposed-rule-to-revamp-aphis-biotech-regs