Bud Philbrook, deputy undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, told World Agricultural Forum attendees Wednesday the Obama administration would try a new cooperative approach in Europe to bring down barriers to biotechnology.
Philbrook said the Obama administration would work with governments in Europe that already are advocates for biotechnology and encourage them to work with their neighbors for its acceptance.
He noted that voters in many European countries are squarely against biotechnology, citing Germany as an example, where 70% to 80% of consumers oppose GM products.
The deputy undersecretary made the remarks at WAF, where attendees were grappling with the challenge of feeding the growing world population.
Philbrook said the Obama administration is committed to opening markets for U.S. products and leveling the playing field for trade.
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Bud Philbrook, deputy undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.
