USDA Requests Input to Enhance Ag Coexistence

A year ago USDA's Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture or AC21 released a report which included five major recommendations for agricultural coexistence: potential compensation mechanisms, stewardship, education and outreach, research, and finally seed quality.

Now the USDA is seeking public comments on the implementation of the recommendation related to education and outreach. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says

Vilsack: "First and foremost at USDA our view is that different types of production processes should be valued and should be respected and folks should be able to produce the products in the way that makes the most sense best for them and their families. If folks want to use Genetically Modified or Genetically Engineered crops to increase productivity and to meet increasing global and domestic demand -- they ought to be allowed to do that as long as they do it, obviously, in an appropriate way. If you want to be an organic producer and take advantage of that high-value opportunity -- you should be able to do that as well. Which is why we formed a program called AC21 at USDA to try and look at ways in which producers could essentially co-exist more effectively. By understanding the various production methods and making sure that risks are minimized."

Those interested in commenting have until January 3, 2014 to do so.