GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ADMINISTRATION (GIPSA)
GIPSA’s role in modern biotechnology arena started in 2001, in an effort to ensure that StarLink® corn was appropriately channeled for non-human animal food and industrial uses. GIPSA’s biotech reference lab validated a number of test kits for analysis of Cry9C in corn; these kits were used by the grain industry to detect Cry9C in corn and to channel it to appropriate uses.
GIPSA also worked internationally in helping to develop and then in updating a protocol addressing Japan’s concerns with food corn imports that might involve low levels of StarLink® corn. It also initiated a biotechnology proficiency program to improve the accuracy, reliability, and precision of testing on a global basis.
GIPSA also evaluated and confirmed the performance of a method to determine the presence of the unapproved event involving Bt 10 and verified the performance of a number of methods to detect the transgenic rice variety LLRICE601 (see CFSAN Section).
In November 2000, GIPSA and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking requesting how it might continue to foster the marketing of U.S. grains, oil seeds, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, including those that are derived through modern biotechnology methods. See Dept. of Agriculture, APHIS, GIPSA, PSA, A Request for Public Comments and How USDA Can Best Facilitate the Marketing of Grains, Oil Seeds, Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts in Today’s Evolving Marketplace, Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 65 Fed. Reg. 71272 (2000). Key questions were whether GIPSA should establish criteria for crops derived from biotechnology, or for crops not so derived, as part of its current U.S. quality grades and standards, as well as whether it should provide product certification for such bioengineered crops. The majority of the almost 3000 comments wanted labeling of biotech food.
In a 2002 follow-up notice, AMS and GIPSA stated that they have developed and are planning to develop additional voluntary testing and process verification programs to facilitate the marketing of agricultural products. These programs include standardized testing methodology involving sampling guidelines, proficiency programs, rapid test performance evaluation programs, testing services, and methods development. AMS further states that it anticipates it will propose a volunteer audit-based system of process verification for the production and labeling of seed, and process verification for grains, oil seeds, rice, and product derived from these products. Dept. of Agriculture, A Request for Marketing Service Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, Facilitating the Marketing of U.S. Agricultural Products With New Testing and Process Verification Services, Notice, 67 Fed. Reg. 50853 (2002).
GIPSA has agreed to provide statements indicating the transgenic and commercial production status in the U.S. of grain. See U.S. Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, Federal Grain Inspection Service, Directive 9180.67, Letterhead Transgenic and Biotechnology Statements for Grain and Graded Commodities, Jan. 25, 2007. 