GAO Reviews of USDA Biotechnology Research Efforts and Regulatory Programs and Activities

GAO discussed its two reports on the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) biotechnology research efforts and regulatory programs and activities. GAO noted that: (1) USDA sponsored 778 biotechnology projects in fiscal years 1984 and 1985 at an annual cost of $40.5 million; and (2) 87 of the projects were expected to involve the deliberate release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. GAO also noted that USDA: (1) has not provided its Agriculture Recombinant DNA Research Committee (ARRC) with the authority or direction it needs to serve as the USDA focal point for biotechnology matters; (2) needs to completely develop a formal, well-defined regulatory mechanism for biotechnology; (3) should make ARRC or its successor responsible for all biotechnology matters, including representing USDA in interagency biotechnology efforts; and (4) needs to better inform Congress and the public about the expected benefits and potential risks of biotechnology research.