USDA to Revise Regulations on GE Organisms

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a proposed rule that would update regulations regarding genetically engineered (GE) organisms “by adding provisions for sharing certain business information with state and tribal government agencies.” According to USDA, the proposed provisions would govern the sharing of certain information contained in permit applications and notifications for importations, interstate movements or releases into the environment of GE organisms. The agency also says that the provisions “would allow the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to share certain business information with state and tribal governments without impairing [USDA’s] ability to protect confidential business information from disclosure.” Apparently, APHIS currently withholds such information when it shares applications with non-federal government agencies. USDA says that the action would improve collaborative and cooperative efforts with state and tribal governments and improve effectiveness of its notification and permitting procedures as APHIS continues to regulate certain GE organisms. See Federal Register, February 27, 2013.