Ag Policy Blog
Details and Clarification on CR Biotech Rider
I made a mistake in Wednesday's blog on the Continuing Resolution in the Senate and the biotech policy rider language added to it.
The language in the bill would come into effect when there is litigation on a biotech crop and an attempt by the courts to either remove crops from the field or stop a harvest of the crops. That was a situation a few years ago when an environmental group had sued USDA over Roundup Ready sugarbeets.
P[L1] D[0x0] M[300x250] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]
The CR would effectively allow USDA to sign a temporary permit for the crop rather than putting those decisions in the hands of a judge
SEC. 735. In the event that a determination of non-regulated status made pursuant to section 411 of the Plant Protection Act is or has been invalidated or vacated, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon request by a farmer, grower, farm operator, or producer, immediately grant temporary permit(s) or temporary deregulation in part, subject to necessary and appropriate conditions consistent with section 411(a) or 412(c) of the Plant Protection Act, which interim conditions shall authorize the movement, introduction, continued cultivation, commercialization and other specifically enumerated activities and requirements, including measures designed to mitigate or minimize potential adverse environmental effects, if any, relevant to the Secretary’s evaluation of the petition for non-regulated status, while ensuring that growers or other users are able to move, plant, cultivate, introduce into commerce and carry out other authorized activities in a timely manner: Provided, That all such conditions shall be applicable only for the interim period
necessary for the Secretary to complete any required analyses or consultations related to the petition for non-regulated status: Provided further, That nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the Secretary’s authority under section 411, 412 and 414 of the Plant Protection Act.
The language had been included in the FY 2012 budget resolution but was later removed.
The provision in the CR is not the same as thebiotech-approval provision that was in the House farm bill. That provision would have accelerated the biotech crop review and approval process by USDA.
I can be found on Twitter @ChrisClaytonDTN.
© Copyright 2013 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.
Comments
To comment, please Log In or Join our Community .