In fighting hunger and poverty, modern biotechnology must be part of our arsenal. In the past several months alone, the news has been filled with indications of the great promise of this technology. Researchers have found ways to enhance the Vitamin A content of rice, promising great strides in the fight against blindness and other diseases around the world. A working draft of the sequence of the human genome has now been mapped, offering tremendous potential in using the science of genetics to help fight disease. At the same time, we must proceed with wisdom and caution.
Biotechnology presents both potential benefits and risks.
In the United States, we have had a strong and effective regulatory system to address environmental and other concerns from biotechnology for many years. As the technology advances, we will continue to refine our regulatory processes. For biotechnology to do the most good for the most people, we must encourage and support credible, science-based regulatory systems around the world. Modern biotechnology is part of the answer. Modern biotechnology can be used to fight the many scourges that accompany malnutrition around the world, including illness, blindness, developmental problems and death.