June 16, 1999

A Senate resolution, approved Tuesday, urges President Clinton to address the issue of increasing U.S. biotechnology exports when the G-8 summit is held later this month. The senators want G-8 support against other countries blocking the importing of agricultural products that have been genetically engineered.

"Countries are manufacturing trade barriers that hurt American farmers," said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), one of those spearheading the resolution. "These baseless accusations are blocking American farmers from selling their products in the global market. The President should put this issue on the top of the agenda of the upcoming G-8 meeting."

The resolution urges the President to:

--Raise the issue of trade in agricultural biotechnology products at the summit;

--Seen a consensus with major trading partners on the global benefits of agricultural biotechnology and increasing consumer knowledge and understanding of biotechnology and its benefits;

--Seek the adopt of rational, scientifically based systems for the regulation of biotechnology products and for eliminating unjustified barriers to the use of biotechnology products in international trade.