What is ASTA’s position on agricultural biotechnology and labeling?
ASTA believes that modern biotechnology has the potential to increase world food production by improving the characteristics of seed in ways that will benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment. It believes that the safety of genetically enhanced seed and food is adequately assured by the science-based procedures effectively used by U.S. government agencies and plant breeders. ASTA does not believe that mandatory labeling of seed and food based solely upon the method used to produce them is necessary or scientifically defensible. Where such labeling is required for legal reasons, such as for export seed, information should be provided in a clear way that is understandable to both farmers and consumers, consistent with applicable law.
