WASHINGTON, June 14, 2007-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced members to serve on the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21).

Members reappointed to one-year terms beginning on Feb. 21, 2007, were: Leon C. Corzine, Assumption, Ill.; Michael D. Dykes, Washington, D.C.; and Jerome B. Slocum, Coldwater, Miss.

Members reappointed to nine-month terms beginning on May 14, 2007, were Duane R. Grant, Rupert, Idaho, and Bradley A. Shurdut, Arlington, Va.

Members reappointed for 21-month terms beginning on May 14, 2007, were: Gregory A. Jaffe, Mclean, Va.; Patricia A. Layton (chair); Clemson, S.C.; and Alison L. Van Eenennaam, Davis, Calif.

Two new members, Stephanie A. Whalen, Haleiwa, Hawaii, and Guy A. Cardineau, Tempe, Ariz., were appointed for two-year terms beginning on Feb. 21, 2007, and another new member, R. Bowen Flowers, Tunica, Miss., was appointed to a one-year term beginning on Feb. 21, 2007.

Three new members were also appointed for 21-month terms beginning on May 14, 2007, Fuller W. Bazer, College Station, Texas; James M. Robl, Brandon, S.D.; and Michael J. Engler, Amarillo, Texas.

The AC21 was established in February 2003 to provide information and advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on topics related to the use of biotechnology in agriculture. The committee is charged with examining the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA, and providing guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture.

More information on the AC21, including consensus reports developed by the committee, can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/wps