USDA MUST EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ON GMO PLANTS

Dear Luan,

Near the end of last week while doing research on an unrelated topic, I stumbled across a USDA request for information from the public related to the creation of a new regulatory framework for genetically engineered plants.

By law, the USDA is required to inform the public of such a request for information. The agency failed to do so. With a matter of such societal and environmental importance, it is critical that a broad range of stakeholders be given the opportunity to provide input to inform the rulemaking. Yet due to the USDA’s lack of compliance with the law and failure to engage the public, there were only 8 comments on the docket, which is set to close on Monday, June 15th. This is an abject failure on the part of the USDA and it made my blood boil.

I cannot overstate how important it is for each of us to take a moment to ask the USDA to extend the comment period by an additional 30 days and ensure the public is properly notified of this request for information. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the public has a right to participate.

We drafted a request for extension. Please edit if you have time to make it your own or post as is.

Thank you for submitting a comment to hold the USDA to account.

Diana Reeves
Executive Director
GMO/Toxin Free USA

If the button doesn't work for you, copy and paste this link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/USDAExtendDeadline

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