Biotechnology 
PPQ also provides certain services that deal 
with biotechnology. U.S. scientists use agri- 
cultural biotechnology together with a vari- 
ety of laboratory techniques, such as genetic 
engineering, to improve plants, animals, and 
micro-organisms. Since 1987, APHIS’ role in 
agricultural biotechnology has been to man- 
age and oversee regulations to ensure the 
safe and rapid deployment of the products of 
biotechnology. Under PPQ’s effective regula- 
tions and practical guidelines, private-sector 
firms can safely test genetically engineered 
organisms outside the physical containment 
of the laboratory. PPQ officials issue permits 
or acknowledge notification for the importa- 
tion, interstate movement, or field testing of 
genetically engineered plants, micro- 
organisms, and invertebrates that are devel- 
oped using components from plant- 
pathogenic material. 
Federal biotechnology regulations also pro- 
vide for an exemption process once it has 
been established that a genetically engi- 
neered product does not present a plant pest 
risk. Under this process, applicants can peti- 
tion PPQ for a determination of nonregu- 
lated status for specific genetically 
engineered products. Some examples of 
deregulated crops include five tomato types 
modified for delayed ripening; five cotton 
types, one modified for insect resistance and 
four for herbicide tolerance; two soybean 
types modified for herbicide tolerance; and 
six corn types, three modified for herbicide 
tolerance and three for insect resistance. 
PPQ biotechnology personnel meet with reg- 
ulatory officials from other nations on a reg- 
ular basis to foster the harmonization of 
trade regulations. These discussions help 
ensure that requirements imposed by other 
countries are as consistent as possible with 
U.S. requirements and that our trading part- 
ners are kept informed of regulatory develop- 
ments affecting biotechnology. 
As agricultural trade continues to expand, 
the work of PPQ inspires much-needed trust 
from foreign countries that they are receiv- 
ing healthy, pest- and disease-free agricul- 
tural shipments. Moreover, efforts on the 
homefront to protect American agriculture 
ensure that U.S. consumers can continue to 
enjoy the tastes of America while still sam- 
pling the tastes of the world. PPQ touches 
the lives of all Americans by safeguarding 
American agriculture, fighting invasive 
species, and supporting the free flow of trade 
in the global marketplace. 
For more information about APHIS 
programs, visit the APHIS homepage at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov 
PGT EIS _ 
As agricultural 
trade continues to 
expand, the work 
of PPQ inspires 
much-needed 
trust from foreign 
countries that 
they are receiving 
healthy, pest- 
and disease-free 
agricultural 
shipments. 
Protecting Plant Health in a Global Environment 9 
