PresentandFutureofU.S.AgriculturalBiotechnology.pptVIP

Present and Future of U.S. Agricultural Biotechnology Paul Spencer Senior Agricultural Attaché American Embassy, Tokyo Crops and Traits Widespread application in major crops Soybeans Corn Cotton Expense somewhat limits development of minor crops Current traits Insect Resistance (“Bt”) Herbicide Tolerance (glyphosate, glufosinate) Virus resistance Future Traits (near term) Drought resistance, heart healthy oils, fruits, etc. Trait/crops of importance to developing world (e.g., cassava, sorghum, banana) Crops With Non-Regulated Status Industry Soybean Portfolio*A Steady Pipeline of New Biotech Events Nearly Every Year Why Are U.S. Farmers Planting Biotech Crops? Yield increases. Lower costs (fuel savings, don’t need as many chemicals) Environmental benefits (fewer chemicals, facilitates ‘no-till’ farming) In the future, new products (nutritionally enhanced foods) Many New Products Will Be Reviewed by the Japanese Govt. U.S. Embassy Survey of Tech. Companies Results for JFY 2008 and JFY 2009 51 new products 7 traits that are new U.S. Regulatory System First genetically engineered (GE) plants - 1983 1986 - Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology Described how existing agencies and laws could be used to regulate products of biotechnology U.S. Regulatory System The risks of GE organisms are not fundamentally different from risks posed by non-GE organisms with similar traits. Regulation should be science-based and conducted on a case-by-case basis. U.S. Regulatory System U.S. Regulatory System U.S. Japan Relationship The United States is the largest supplier of food to Japan. Japan is an important part of the U.S. farm economy. U.S. technology companies and producers have agreed not to commercially grow biotech crops unless they are approved in Japan. Key Embassy PR Messages Biotechnology critical for U.S. farmers. We want Japanese to understand why we are growing these crops. Biotechnology is an important part of global food security. A