Wheat Groups Form Biotech Policy

July 6, 2000

The National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates have endorsed jointly a new policy on biotechnology. As biotech wheat eventually becomes a reality, the wheat industry has taken the initial steps to define its position within the biotechnology debate, according to the organizations.

This work is the direct result of the efforts of the joint biotechnology committee of U.S. Wheat Associates and NAWG to keep the wheat groups at the forefront of the issue. The new policy was approved by the NAWG Executive Committee and the U.S. Wheat Board of Directors at their meeting this week in Seattle, WA, both in late June.

The overall goal of the wheat industry is "to meet the needs and wishes of domestic and international wheat customers thereby preserving and expanding markets for traditional products and creating markets for biotechnologically-derived wheat and wheat products." Also included in the new set of policies is a working definition of "biotechnologically-derived."

In their statement, the groups say biotechnological research holds great promise for the future, and the U.S. wheat industry recognizes these advancements. The U.S. wheat industry commits itself absolutely to the principle that customers’ needs and preferences are the most important consideration. "We support the ability of our wheat customers to make purchases on the basis of specific traits."

The statement adds, "We will work with all segments of the industry to develop and assure that a viable identity preservation system and testing program is instituted prior to commercialization of products of biotechnology. We strongly urge technology providers to obtain international regulatory approval to insure customer acceptance prior to commercialization."

They add, "We urge the adoption of a nationally and internationally accepted definition of biotechnologically derived products. We also urge international harmonization of scientific standards and trade rules."