The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced it is withdrawing a proposed rule
to revise the Agency's biotechnology regulations and that it will re-engage
with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach
for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant
health.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said, "It's critical that our regulatory
requirements foster public confidence and empower American agriculture while
also providing industry with an efficient and transparent review process
that doesn't restrict innovation." He added that to ensure balance, they
will take a fresh look, explore policy alternatives, and continue the
dialogue with all interested stakeholders, both domestic and international.

[www.usda.gov]
ders-revisions-biotechnology-regulations