b'KEEPING the PACE!What says ASTA on the U.S. biotech revision? Marcel Bruins mbruins@issuesink.comBIOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS help deliver solutions. However, lack of in the United States are regulated byconsistent, science-based policies around three federal agencies: U.S. Departmentproducts of plant breeding innovation of Agriculture (USDA), Environmentalcould impede access to these methods Protection Agency and Food and Drugand stifle our ability to continue to evolve Administration. The original regula- to meet global challenges. To fully realize tory framework stems from 1986 and isthe benefits of innovations like gene edit-currently under revision. What does theing, we need a policy framework that is American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)clear and predictable and offers a rational have to say about the work in progress?path to commercialization. Our sister publication European SeedASTA has always looked at this not spoke with Bernice Slutsky, senior vicejust from a domestic perspective, but president, Innovation, ASTA, to find outthrough a global lens. Not only do we what the seed sector thinks of the pro- need the right policies domestically, its posed revisions. critical that we work toward consistent, aligned policies at the international level. European Seed (ES): Why was itBernice Slutsky serves as senior vice necessary to modernize the currentES: In June 2019, the USDApresident of Innovation for ASTA. regulations? proactively proposed a rule. What is Bernice Slutsky (BS): Its been 30 yearsASTAs take on the proposed rule?since the USDA last revised its biotechnol- BS: We commend USDA for working ogy regulations. Clearly theres been a lotto update its long-standing regula-of innovation over the past three decades,tory system for genetically engineeredIn order to support continued especially with the emergence of newer,organisms to ensure it keeps pace withinnovation in the seed sector, precise breeding methods like gene edit- the latest scientific advancements. ing revolutionizing plant breeding as weSpecifically, were pleased that the pro- its critical that regulations know it. To support continued innovation,posal recognizes that some applications its critical that regulations keep paceof gene editing result in plant varietieskeep pace with the latest with the latest scientific advancements.that are essentially equivalent to varie- scientific advancements.USDA has gained extensive experience inties developed through more traditional reviewing genetically engineered plantsbreeding methods and would thus treat over the years, and the regulatory revi- these varieties in the same way from a sions should reflect that experience.policy standpoint. While we support the exclusion of these specific categories ofand sector have access to the best and ES: For the seed sector, which areproducts from an additional pre-marketlatest tools available to meet the chal-the key issues and challenges yourereview under Part 340, we are offeringlenges of tomorrow. And we remain facing? some recommendations relating to thecommitted to continuing the important BS: Today, as we face unprecedenteddefinitions, structure and language ofdialogue with consumers about plant global-scale challenges like climatethese exemptions.breeding and what it means for our change, emerging pests and diseases andWe look forward to working withfuture, as we collectively develop new and rapid population growth, plant breed- USDA as this process moves forward toinnovative solutions to address some of ing continues to evolve and innovate, toensure that plant breeders of every sizesocietys most pressing challenges.SW120/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2019'