Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman announced appointments to the new Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture. Appointees will serve one- or two-year terms, and may be reappointed to serve up to six consecutive years.

“This committee will take a forward look at agriculture biotechnology and will serve as an important resource as USDA addresses emerging issues related to this field,” said Veneman. “I am pleased that these individuals have agreed to provide their time and expertise to serve on this committee.”

The committee is charged with examining the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and providing guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture.

The Committee is composed of 18 members from 14 states, the District of Columbia and Mexico. The members represent the biotechnology industry, the seed industry, farmers, environmental and consumer organizations, academia and international plant research centers, the food industry, product shippers and traders. The appointments will be published in the Federal Register in the coming week.

Patricia A. Layton, Professor, Department of Forest Resources, Clemson University, SC, will serve as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture.