The United States, too, has encountered some rather interesting views from across the Atlantic. Without question, we should continue to be vigilant and rigorously test these products. But as long as they do prove safe, science must prevail over sentiment when it comes to our trade rules. As critical as a victory on that principle is to our nations' farmers, it is even more critical to our world. In the next quarter century, the world's population is expected to add another 2 billion people.
Biotechnology holds out our greatest hope of feeding a growing world in a sustainable way.
As long as it proves safe, we cannot in good conscience turn our backs on it. Right now, I think our voices are being drowned out in certain parts of the world. We must stay engaged in the public as well as the trade debate. I've been to Europe several times to talk about biotechnology. The second time, the message was taken more seriously.