Washington, D.C. (November 6, 2017) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced its intention to withdraw its proposed revisions to regulations (7 CFR part 340) governing agricultural biotechnology.

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) CEO Chandler Goule issued the following statement in response:

“We applaud USDA for its efforts to update its regulatory system and support its move to withdraw the proposed rule to revise the Agency’s biotechnology regulations.

“The USDA’s regulatory requirements must be clear, transparent, and open to stakeholder engagement. Today’s actions by the Agency are a step in the right direction and we are pleased to see the Agency working to improve its communication with the public.

It is encouraging to see that the Agency is listening to ag industry stakeholders to provide an efficient and transparent review process that doesn’t restrict innovation. NAWG will be sure to continue the dialogue with the USDA to represent the innovation researchers expect to bring to wheat and the US wheat grower.

“NAWG looks forward to working with USDA regulators to create policies that will foster innovation and encourage the adoption of modern technologies that will enable wheat farmers to address climate, disease, and pest problems.”

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About NAWG
NAWG is the primary representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at state and national levels. From their offices in the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members and the public.