Source:  PRESS RELEASE, 5/27/11
 

U.S. Representative Stephen Fincher (R-Frog Jump) introduced legislation to expedite the approval process of biotech crops.  The Expediting Agriculture Through Science (EATS) Act supports family farmers and the American agriculture industry to help supply food needs around the world by providing a defined timetable for the approval process of agriculture biotechnology products.   

“In order for tomorrow’s agriculture community to meet the need of an ever growing population, we must have a clearly defined timetable for agriculture’s biotechnology approval process while ensuring the safety of our environment,” Rep. Fincher said.  “As a farmer myself, I understand that a more efficient approval process will result in increased investment and jobs,” Fincher continued.  “Family farmers in the United States have the ability to remain the global leaders in the biotech field, so long as Congress acts quickly to ensure future innovation.”

The EATS act would clearly define the amount of time to approve or deny a petition for biotech crops, regulated under the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS).  The Act would give APHIS 180 Days to approve or deny a petition for non-regulated status with an additional 60 days if needed to ensure the safety of the environment and compliance is met before deeming the petition approved.