Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman is creating a new USDA panel to review agricultural biotechnology issues.

The Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology also will advise the secretary on policies related to the creation, application, trade and use of agricultural biotechnology.

"This advisory committee will examine the effects of biotechnology from every conceivable angle -- its creation, application, marketability, related trade and inspection implications and more," Glickman said.

The panel also will explore the impact of biotech on small and medium-sized farms.  "In an increasingly top-heavy and concentrated farm economy, some worry that biotech might further tilt the playing field against the small operator," Glickman added.