Puerto Rico Bill promotes agricultural biotechnology.
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Press Release Summary:
Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, Executive VP, Food and Agriculture for BIO, issued a statement concerning the signing of "Law for the Promotion and Development of Agricultural Biotechnological Businesses in Puerto Rico" by Luis Fortuno, govenor of Puerto Rico. Speaking for BIO, Lauritsen commended Puerto Rico's legislative assembly and governor for enacting and signing into law a bill that promotes agricultural biotechnology research and development.
Original Press Release:
Puerto Rico Signs Bill to Promote Ag Biotech
Cutting Edge Ag Technologies Will Help Produce Higher Quality Foods
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, August 12, 2009) - Puerto Rico hopes to further encourage agricultural biotechnology businesses to establish or expand operations on the island.
As part of the effort to enhance Puerto Rico's agricultural production, Governor Luis Fortuno signed this week the "Law for the Promotion and Development of Agricultural Biotechnological Businesses in Puerto Rico."
Puerto Rico is currently home to 11 biotech companies, which contribute as much as $30 million to the local economy. Ag biotech operations provide full-time employment for 163 of its local citizens, and employ more than a thousand part-time and seasonal workers.
Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, Executive Vice President, Food and Agriculture for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), issued the following statement in response to the bill signing:
"BIO commends the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly and Governor Fortuno for their combined leadership and foresight in enacting and signing into law a bill that promotes agricultural biotechnology research and development in the Commonwealth.
"Because of its climate enabling year-round growing cycles, its isolation as an island, trained work force and these new regulatory efficiencies, Puerto Rico's prominence as a leader in agricultural research and development will continue. This means further capital investment and job creation.
"The adoption of biotechnology and modern farming practices is reflected in the choices of farmers around the world. In 2008, 309 million acres of biotech crops were planted in 25 countries by 13.3 million farmers. Through the use of agricultural biotechnology, food crops can be grown at a lower cost on less land and with less impact on the environment.
"Already, many of BIO's plant biotechnology member companies, as well as several U.S. universities, maintain facilities in Puerto Rico. The new law would not only further streamline regulatory actions between the Commonwealth's Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, but also help ensure new pathways for the industry to expand and promote economic activity.
"The new legislation also provides for preemption of any local authorities from attempting to regulate in this area. More than 16 state governments, including Puerto Rico, have adopted laws that preempt local authorities from attempting to regulate agricultural biotechnology. Neither North America's farmers, nor our member companies can operate successfully within any system where a patchwork of differing rules and standards may apply to the same technology.
"Biotech products are already among the most heavily regulated agricultural products. The expertise of three federal agencies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is brought to bear on these products.
"Agricultural biotechnology is providing science-based solutions to the challenges that we face today and tomorrow to more sustainably feed and fuel the world. We applaud Puerto Rico for encouraging the use of new technologies so that we can best meet these challenges."
Upcoming BIO Events
BIO Investor Forum
October 28-29, 2009
San Francisco, CA
Advanced Business Development Course
October 30, 2009
Vienna, Austria
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November 2-4, 2009
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November 8-11, 2009
Honolulu, HI
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
