The Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS ) is holding an issue focused open public regulatory meeting on Genetically Engineered Foods, April 29th and 30th, at Riverdale, Maryland, from 9am to 5pm. The Topic is “Importation, Interstate Movement and Release Into the Environment of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms.” The meeting will allow the public to express their concerns about genetically engineered foods.
A New York Times poll found 53% of Americans won’t buy genetically modified food. A proposed rule by the Department of Agriculture would affect:
Issue 1: Scope of the regulation and which GE organisms should be regulated.
Issue 2: Incorporation into the APHIS part 340 regulations the Plant Protection Act’s noxious weed authority.
Issue 3: Elimination of the notification procedure and revision of the permit procedure.
Issue 4: Environmental release permit categories and regulation of GE crops that produce pharmaceutical and industrial compounds.
All interested parties are invited to attend and participate. The agenda issues will be frankly and fully explored. It is hoped the discussions will foster a focused and substantive dialogue onkey issues.
A parking fee of $3 dollars is required ( exact change in dollars or quarters ) at the USDA Center at Riverside, Maryland. Visitors should inform security personnel they are attending the 340 proposed rule public meeting. State-issued photo identification is required and bags will be screened.
Registration tables are outside conference room B on the first floor.
Register at: http://web01.aphis.usda.gov/BRS_PublicMeeting.nsf/Â
For more information:
Contact: Richard.S.Coker@aphis.usda.gov
Telephone: ( 301 ) 734-5720
Agency: APHISÂ Â Â Â Â
Document Type: PROPOSED RULESÂ Â Â Â Â
Comments Due: Jun 29, 2009 11:59:59 PM EDT
Document ID: APHIS_FRDOC_0001-0732
Date Posted:Â Apr 13, 2009
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Tags: aphis, environment, GMO, meeting, pharma crops