South Korean Team Visits U.S. Biotechnology Innovators

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) recently brought a delegation of South Korean biotechnology safety reviewers to the U.S. to enhance participants' understanding of science-based regulatory frameworks and safety assessment systems for biotechnology and gene-editing technologies.

"Participants were eager to examine the full lifecycle of gene-edited crop development, including research and development, safety assessment, regulatory approval, commercialization and stewardship practices," said Haksoo Kim, USGBC director in South Korea.

"Biotechnology is advancing rapidly, especially with new gene-editing technologies. South Korea is now looking at how its regulatory system can keep pace with these innovations while maintaining rigorous safety standards. This program gave participants a valuable opportunity to see the entire process firsthand, from technology development and safety assessments to regulatory review and commercialization."

The team landed in Washington, D.C. and met with key U.S. regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for a full overview of the safety protocols in place throughout the U.S. agricultural system.

After traveling to Raleigh, NC, the group toured Pairwise, a gene editing company, to view their lab and greenhouse facilities and study how biotechnology is enhancing agricultural productivity.

Biotechnology leaders Bayer and Corteva also welcomed the delegation in Missouri and Iowa, respectively, to discuss the advancements the companies are making in plant breeding and the quality and sustainability benefits of gene editing.

"Through their visits with U.S. regulatory agencies and biotech developers, the Korean participants were able to learn how science is applied in regulatory decision-making, how gene-edited products are evaluated and how the U.S. ensures the safety of food, feed and the environment," Kim said.

"The U.S. is a major grain supplier to South Korea, particularly for corn. If this program contributes to a more transparent, predictable and efficient regulatory system in Korea, it will benefit U.S. farmers and exporters as well as Korean grain buyers who depend on a stable and reliable supply."

Learn more about the Council's work in South Korea on the organization's website.