BIO Statement on Growing American Food Exports Act of 2018

Washington, D.C. (March 23, 2018) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today released the following statement in response to the introduction of the “Growing American Food Exports Act of 2018” by Representatives Neal Dunn (FL-02) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20).

“BIO applauds the introduction of bipartisan legislation by Representatives Dunn (R-FL) and Panetta (D-CA) to reauthorize funding for USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) Biotechnology and Agricultural Trade Program over the next five years, so FAS can continue advocating for foreign approvals of biotechnology products and a reduction of trade barriers on a global scale. BIO also applauds the legislation’s expansion of the program’s authority to advocate on all emerging agricultural technologies as part of USDA’s international advocacy efforts.

“Trade is critical to the American agricultural economy, as 20 percent of U.S. grown goods are bound for foreign markets. It is essential that USDA is properly equipped to advocate for the fair treatment of the American farmer and U.S. grown goods around the world, which this legislation will ensure.”