ASTA Applauds International Statement in Support of Plant Breeding Innovation

The U.S. and 12 other countries recently signed onto an International Statement on Agricultural Applications of Precision Biotechnology. The statement reiterates an international commitment to the fair, science-based treatment of evolving plant breeding methods, like gene editing, around the world.

“This is a strong showing of support by governments around the world in recognition of the necessity of continued evolution in plant breeding, and the critical role that it will play in ensuring a more sustainable and secure global food production system,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew LaVigne. “Seed is a global industry, and in light of the recent disappointing decision by the European Court of Justice, efforts such as this international statement are more important than ever in working toward the goal of global alignment on policies around agricultural innovation.”

The statement was released in Geneva at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Endorsing the statement, to date, are: Argentina, which led this effort, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Paraguay, the United States, Uruguay, Vietnam and the Secretariat of the Economic Community of West African States.

Read ASTA’s full statement here.