These databases are used not only by domestic customers and stakeholders but increasingly by foreign governments to verify that the U.S. Government has reviewed the risk for products considered for field testing or importation. In addition, the Center reviews and performs risk analyses of genetically engineered organisms. Also, the Genetically Engineered Arthropod Vectors of Animal Disease team assesses the risk involving genetic alteration of arthropods such as mites, ticks, and fleas as disease vectors for livestock. Science informs the regulatory decision-making process at multiple levels. The available published scientific literature, particularly from peer-reviewed journals, is used by regulatory scientists in evaluating specific products.
Applicants also cite the scientific literature in their applications for regulatory approval.
The regulatory agencies also sponsor meetings of scientists to address specific issues, such as meetings on viral resistance and relevant biological factors for evaluating crop plants. In addition, the USDA has a biotechnology risk assessment grants program that funds research on issues associated with genetically engineered organisms. All of this information is used by regulators to ensure that the most current science is available for regulatory decisions. Mr. Chairman, biotechnology has the potential to create more and better sources of food, to reduce pesticide use, increase yields, and improve nutrition and quality of life. The success of the biotechnology regulatory system in the United States is due to the fact that regulatory agencies with established credibility and scientific expertise were designated to evaluate the products of biotechnology.