Biotechnology

Biotechnology in an umbrella term encompassing at least two different processes; bioengineering (BE, aka GMO) and gene editing. Talking about biotechnology is difficult for several reasons: it is scientifically complex, the vocabulary is confusing, and the topic is emotionally charged.

Policy Statements

FMI follows the USDA definition that biotechnology provides a range of tools, including traditional breeding techniques, that alter living organisms, or parts of organisms, to make or modify products; improve plants or animals; or develop microorganisms for specific agricultural uses. Our current Board approved policy statements on this topic: