Agricultural Biotechnology Coordination Act
This bill would modernize and centralize the USDA’s approach to biotechnology by creating a dedicated Office of Biotechnology Policy within the Department. The Office would prioritize biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and related emerging technologies, and would be led by a Director reporting directly to the Secretary. Its duties would cover developing and coordinating USDA policies and activities across research, education, regulation and labeling, and commercialization; assisting other USDA offices; and coordinating with other federal and state agencies. The bill also requires interagency collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration, among others, and mandates ongoing consultation with biotech developers, academics, and agricultural producers. A conforming amendment would authorize the Secretary to carry out the new office’s authorities.
Key Points
- 1Establishment of the Office of Biotechnology Policy within the USDA, to be led by a Director who reports to the Secretary.
- 2The Office’s duties include developing and coordinating USDA policies and activities related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and related technologies, covering R&D, communication/education, regulation and labeling, and commercialization/use/trade.
- 3Interagency coordination with the EPA, FDA, and other relevant federal and state agencies to support biotechnology policy and activities.
- 4Requirement to consult with biotechnology developers, academics, agricultural producers, and other stakeholders affected by biotechnology-related actions.
- 5Conforming amendment to give the Secretary authority to carry out the new Office’s provisions (section 223) under the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994.