BIO Statement on Growing American Food Exports Act of 2018

“BIO applauds the introduction of the ‘Growing American Food Exports Act of 2018’ to reauthorize funding for USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) Biotechnology and Agricultural Trade Program.

“Authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill, the Biotechnology and Agricultural Trade Program provides technical assistance and outreach to facilitate U.S. exports of products produced with innovative technologies, such as biotechnology. Ultimately, this bill will ensure the U.S. government has the resources it needs to address non-tariff barriers that deny U.S. farmers access to new production technologies.

“Trade is critical to America’s agricultural economy, as 20 percent of U.S. grown goods are sold in foreign markets. It is essential that USDA is properly equipped to advocate for America’s farmers and for the innovative technologies that make U.S. grown goods the best in the world.”

This legislation comes on the heels of companion legislation introduced in the House in March by Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).