Abstract: . . .  to overcome the regulatory hurdles that obstruct commercialization.  Develop the ability to distinguish clearly whether grain being exported is GMO or non-GMO.  Make public the amounts of soy, corn, and cotton that are GMO crops produced in the U.S.  Corporate seed policies (those which give a corporation leeway to determine which seeds can be used by farmers) should be abolished.  Promote GMO farming and research of GMO products which will help us gain a competitive advantage over other World Trade Organization farmers.  Divert funding for GMO research back to traditional plant breeding and agricultural systems research.  Concern was expressed about anti-GMO legislation being proposed by local governments.  Support the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Program in the 2002 farm bill especially for smaller crops, especially to help mitigate trade restrictions.  Many new crop varieties with numerous benefits remain undeveloped due to the inordinately high regulatory compliance costs.  If funded, the Specialty Crop Regulatory Initiative would help get some of these improved crops on the market.   . . .
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