Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture
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Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21) advises the USDA on issues related to agricultural biotechnology. Its work involves examining the long-term impacts of biotechnology on agriculture, providing guidance on regulatory, ethical, and public perception issues surrounding the use of biotech in food production.
Mission
AC21's mission is to ensure that biotechnology in agriculture is developed and applied in ways that are safe, sustainable, and beneficial for society. The committee addresses the complexities of biotechnology, including its potential to solve agricultural challenges while considering public health, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.[1]
Parent organization
AC21 is managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees various aspects of U.S. agriculture, including biotechnology policy.[2]
Legislation
While not established by specific legislation, AC21 was formed by USDA in 2003 to engage with the evolving landscape of agricultural biotechnology.[3]
Partners
- Biotechnology companies
- Farmers and agricultural groups
- Environmental and consumer advocacy organizations
- Academic and research institutions[4]
Number of employees
AC21 typically comprises between 20 and 25 members, appointed by the USDA Secretary for their expertise in biotechnology, agriculture, and related fields.[5]
Organization structure
The committee includes members from diverse sectors such as biotech industry, academia, farming, environmental groups, and consumer organizations.
Leader
The committee is led by a Chair, who coordinates meetings and reports committee findings to the USDA.
Divisions
There are no formal divisions, but AC21 might form subgroups for specific tasks:
- Subgroups could focus on topics like gene editing, public perception, or biotech regulation.
List of programs
- Reviewing biotechnology regulations and policies
- Assessing the impacts of new biotech applications in agriculture
- Engaging with public and stakeholder concerns about agricultural biotechnology
Last total enacted budget
The budget for AC21 is not publicly specified; it operates within the broader USDA budget for biotechnology programs.
Staff
AC21 does not have dedicated staff; support is provided by USDA personnel.
Funding
Funding for AC21 activities is part of the USDA's budget for managing agricultural biotechnology.
Services provided
AC21 provides advisory services, contributing to policy development, public engagement, and ensuring that the advancement of agricultural biotechnology aligns with public interest, safety, and sustainability.
Regulations overseen
While AC21 does not directly oversee regulations, its recommendations can influence the regulatory framework for biotechnology in agriculture, impacting how new technologies are developed and implemented.
Headquarters address
1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250, United States
History
Since its establishment in 2003, AC21 has been pivotal in providing balanced advice on the integration of biotechnology into U.S. agriculture, navigating the complexities of innovation, regulation, and public trust.[6]
External links
References
- ↑ USDA. "Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture". USDA, https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology/biotechnology-advisory-committee (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA. "About USDA". USDA, https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/about-usda (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA. "Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture". USDA, https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology/biotechnology-advisory-committee (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ Posts found on X discussing AC21 partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
- ↑ USDA. "Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture". USDA, https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology/biotechnology-advisory-committee (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA. "Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture". USDA, https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology/biotechnology-advisory-committee (accessed February 8, 2025).