USDA - APHIS - Biotechnology

Past Biotechnology Meetings

Below is a list of past biotechnology meetings that APHIS has led or led in coordination with other organizations.

2007

Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Public Meetings
APHIS held four public forums on August 1 & 3, 2007 in Riverdale, MD; August 16, 2007 in Davis, CA; and August 30, 2007 in Kansas City, MO to gather feedback on its Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

2005

BRS Stakeholder Meeting Days
In July-October of 2005, BRS hosted meetings for stakeholders that served as listening sessions on issues related to the programmatic environmental impact statement.

Public Meetings on Scoping of Creeping Bentgrass Environmental Impact Statement
On May 3, 2005 and May 18, 2005, BRS hosted two public forums to accept public comments on a new variety of genetically engineered (GE) creeping bentgrass. BRS is preparing an environmental impact statement concerning a petition received from Monsanto Company and the Scotts Company to grant nonregulated status to a new variety GE herbicide–tolerant creeping bentgrass. If granted, the GE variety could be sold and grown in the United States without further BRS oversight.

2004

Customer Service Workshops
On October 19, 2004, BRS hosted a customer service workshop that focused on the new ePermits system for the notification procedure.

Workshop on Confinement of Genetically Engineered Crops During Field Testing
On September 13-15, 2004, BRS hosted a workshop on biological dispersal and confinement of genetically engineered crops during field testing in Riverdale, MD.

National Association of the State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Meeting
On June 17-18, 2004, BRS hosted a workshop with the State Departments of Agriculture to discuss possible revisions of APHIS regulations (7CFR340).

PEW Meeting
On June 2-3, 2004, BRS co-sponsored a workshop with the PEW Initiative on Food and Biotechnology called "Impacts of Biotech Regulation on Small Business and University Research: Possible Barriers and Potential Solutions." The workshop examined the impacts of regulatory policies on research and development and product commercialization in small business and academic settings.

Stakeholder Meetings
In February and March 2004, BRS held 22 public meetings to discuss issues associated with the BRS proposal to revise its regulations as part of our ongoing efforts to make the regulatory process and its scientific basis more transparent.

2003

Genetically Engineered Forest and Fruit Trees: Public Meeting
On July 8-9, 2003, APHIS held a public meeting to discuss issues related to genetically engineered forest and fruit trees.

Biotechnology-Derived Perennial Turf and Forage Grasses Workshop
In January 2003, APHIS sponsored a workshop in coordination with the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology to develop criteria for evaluating genetically engineered perennial truf and forage grasses.

1997

Virus-Resistant Transgenic Plants Public Meeting
On August 5, 1997, APHIS held a public meeting to discuss issues related to the use of transgenes from plant viruses in the development of genetically engineered plants.

1992

Meeting on the Use of Exotic Viruses Under Contained Conditions
In December 1992, APHIS held a meeting to discuss the use of exotic viruses under contained conditions.

Workshop on Safeguards for Planned Introduction of Transgenic Tomatoes
In August 1992, APHIS sponsored a workshop on safeguards for planned introduction of transgenic tomatoes.

1991

Workshop on Safeguards for Planned Introduction of Transgenic Potato
In August 1991, APHIS sponsored a workshop on safeguards for planned introduction of transgenic potatoes.

1990

Workshop on Safeguards for Planned Introduction of Transgenic Canola
In October 1990, APHIS sponsored a workshop on safeguards for planned introduction of transgenic oilseed crucifers.

Workshop on Safeguards for Planned Introduction of Transgenic Corn and Wheat
In December 1990, APHIS sponsored a workshop on safeguards for planned introduction of transgenic corn and wheat.