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. Some have questioned the need for such products, arguing that poor people need balanced diets, not vitamin-enriched rice. But we should not let the perfect become the enemy of the good. Sadly, access to balanced diets is limited in many countries by poverty, food distribution problems and other complex and entrenched social conditions. Staple foods such as rice may be the only foods available.