USDA TO VALIDATE TESTS FOR BIOTECH GRAINS, ACCREDIT LABS
                                           Release No. 0147.00 
                                                               
                                    Andy Solomon (202) 720-4623
                                          andy.solomon@usda.gov
                                    Dana Stewart (202) 720-5091
                                      dstewart@gipsadc.usda.gov


USDA TO VALIDATE TESTS FOR BIOTECH GRAINS, ACCREDIT LABS

     Washington, May 4, 2000   The U.S. Department of Agriculture will help
standardize the identification of biotechnology-derived grains by accrediting
labs and evaluating tests used to detect the presence of genetically modified
grains.  As part of a new set of Clinton Administration biotechnology
initiatives announced yesterday, the Department will also seek public comment
later this year on other steps that could be taken to help validate voluntary
non-bioengineered claims, according to Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.  

     "We want to provide consumers, farmers, and industry with more
information about biotechnology-derived foods and we want to ensure that
information is accurate and reliable," said Glickman.  

     USDA's Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration will
review, upon request, laboratories testing grains for the presence of
biotechnology-derived grains and will accredit those laboratories that meet
performance standards. 

     In addition, GIPSA will evaluate test kits against the manufacturer's
performance specifications for determining the presence of biotechnology-
derived grains in bulk grain to ensure that these tests are accurate and
reliable.  

     Testing laboratories in the United States and manufacturers of
commercially available test kits marketed and sold in the United States will
be invited to participate in these voluntary efforts through announcements in
Commerce Business Daily.  The new services will be provided for a fee and
tests will be conducted at GIPSA's Technical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

     USDA intends to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking this
summer to solicit public comment on other possible steps to help differentiate
non-bioengineered commodities to better meet the needs of the marketplace.

                                #