Food & Agricultural Biotechnology
The Food and Agriculture Section is responsible for developing and advancing industry policies on all plant and animal biotechnology issues related to international affairs, state and federal government relations, science and regulatory affairs, and media. Biotechnology in plant agriculture can improve crop insect resistance, enhance crop herbicide tolerance and facilitate the use of more environmentally sustainable farming practices. Biotechnology in animal agriculture is used to genetically engineer animals to improve their suitability for pharmaceutical, agricultural or industrial applications. This Food and Agriculture Section promotes agriculture biotechnology policies that will help feed a growing population of 9 billion by 2050.
Animal Biotechnology
Biotechnology provides new tools for improving animal welfare and health, including disease prevention. It can increase livestock productivity and reduce an animal’s impact on the environment. Just like other assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization, livestock cloning improves animal breeding programs allowing farmers and ranchers to produce healthier offspring, and therefore produce healthier, safer and higher quality foods more consistently.
Plant Biotechnology
Biotechnology in plant agriculture is the process of intentionally inserting very specific genetic material to introduce new traits or characteristics into a plant (such as a gene that makes a plant resistant to insects, diseases or pests or a gene that makes that plant tolerate certain herbicides).
BIO Ag Action
Now, more than ever, it is essential that public officials in Washington hear why we support modern agriculture, including the use of biotechnology in agriculture. Plants and animals derived from biotechnology, so-called GMOs, are needed to help feed the world safe, healthful and affordable food in a more environmentally sound and sustainable way.