The rate at which U.S. farmers adopt genetically engineered (GE) crop varieties has jumped dramatically due to farmers' expectations of lower production costs, higher yields, and reduced pesticide use.
Given the growing scope and complexity of biotechnology, agencies within USDA recognize the need for more safeguards and greater transparency of the regulatory process to ensure that all those involved in the field testing of genetically engineered crops understand and adhere to the regulations set forth by Biotechnology Regulatory Services.
The Agencies primarily responsible for regulating biotechnology in the United States are USDA, Environmental Protection Agency, and Food and Drug Administration.
The upward trend in agricultural biotechnology patents reflects increased research and development, changing legal doctrine on what can be patented, and different strategic uses of intellectual property protection.
Agricultural biotechnology is a collection of scientific techniques, including genetic engineering, which are used to create, improve, or modify plants, animals, and microorganisms. USDA researches these areas of biotechnology advancements.
