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Our Dossier

This dossier documents the United States position regarding Biotechnology.

Important notice:
We are in the process of rebuilding our dossiers with statements and other documents of the new Administration.

Please use the tabs to access the three sections of this dossier:

Tab 1 lists US priorities with regard to Biotech, major USG statements, latest USG statements, USG fact sheets, and USG reports. 

Tab 2 lists unofficial reports, journal articles, and other documents.

Tab 3 provides a set of links to major web sites.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us through email.
 

U.S. Govt. Resources

 

Department of AgricultureOpportunities and Challenges in Agricultural Biotechnology: The Decade Ahead. Biotechnology is the application of technology to living organisms. This paper prepared by the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture focuses primarily on organisms produced through genetic engineering and their products.

 

Department of AgricultureThe First Decade of Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States. Over the past decade, developments in modern biotechnology have expanded the scope of biological innovations by providing new tools for increasing crop yields and agricultural productivity. This paper was made by the USDA.

 

Congressional Research ServiceAgricultural Biotechnology: The U.S.-EU Dispute. This CRS report describes the WTO-dispute between the EU and the U.S.

 

The Promise of BiotechnologyThe Promise of Biotechnology Biotechnology is the most recent step in humankind's long endeavor to use nature's own processes to advance the human condition. The word itself joins knowledge to practice, science to technology. This publication was published by the Department of State.

 

Major Department of Agriculture Reports on Biotechnology

USDA Foreign Agricultural ServiceBelgium-Luxembourg Annual Agricultural Biotechnology Report

USDA Foreign Agricultural ServiceEU-25 Biotechnology Annual Agricultural Biotechnology Report
 

The United States Biotechnology Policy: A Dossier

Papaya farmer, Albert Kung checks the leaves on a genetically engineered papaya tree at Kamiya Farm in Laie, Hawaii, Jan. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)
Papaya farmer, Albert Kung checks the leaves on a genetically engineered papaya tree at Kamiya Farm in Laie, Hawaii, Jan. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)

Key U.S. Policy Priorities

bullet Biotech Products Rigorously Regulated: "The three U.S. agencies responsible for regulating agricultural biotechnology are working to assure industry, consumers and other groups both in the United States and abroad that genetically engineered crops, animal vaccines and other products are 'rigorously regulated for safety', " says Chuck Lambert, deputy under secretary of agriculture for regulatory programs.      Click on this link to retrieve recent statements on Biotech Regulation.   

bullet Benefits of Biotech Crops: The goals of genetic engineering are the same as with traditional breeding. They may aim to improve crop performance in the field by conferring pest and disease resistance, herbicide resistance, or tolerance to environmental stresses (such as drought or flooding). They may also aim to develop products with enhanced value, such as improved post-harvest life, nutritional value, or other health benefits. 

bullet Economic and Social impacts or Agricultural Biotechnology: A safe and sufficient food supply, grown in an environmentally responsible fashion is essential for humanity. Like any technology, agricultural biotechnology will have economic and social impacts. Since their introduction, crops improved using biotechnology have been used safely, with benefits such as the reduction of pesticide use. As biotechnology continues to evolve, factual and open public discourse is vital to define the role it should play in society. 

bullet Fighting World Hunger: Chronic world hunger can be ended in this generation, Josette Sheeran, the under Secretary of State for economic, business and agricultural affairs, said.      Click on this link to retrieve recent statements on Biotech and Hunger.   

bullet Trade disputes: 'I urge the EU to fully comply with its WTO obligations and consider all outstanding biotech product applications and evaluate their scientific merits in accordance with the EU's own laws,' said U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, the top U.S. trade negotiator.      Click on this link to retrieve recent statements on Biotech Trade Disputes. 

Major US Government Statements

A select list of major statements On the United States and Africa with policy value.

Latest US Government Statements

The five most recent statements in reverse chronological order. 

US Government Fact Sheets

The five most recent fact sheets.

US Embassy Brussels, Regentlaan 25 Blvd du Regent, 1000 Brussels

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