Alliance for Better Foods Welcomes "National Biotechnology Week"
-- Salutes U.S. Senate Resolution --

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2001 Ð The Alliance for Better Foods today congratulated the U.S. Senate for passing a bipartisan resolution recognizing the growing importance of biotechnology in American agriculture and environmental protection by declaring this week "National Biotechnology Week."

"We salute the Senate for focusing national attention on biotechnologyÕs achievements and promise," said C. Manly Molpus, President and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA), a founding member of the Alliance for Better Foods (ABF). "AmericaÕs global leadership in biotechnology is producing healthier foods for consumers, earth-friendly farming methods, and a new source of hope for the worldÕs hungry.

"The Alliance for Better Foods was formed to encourage a fact-based discussion of the role of food biotechnology," Molpus added. "Through this declaration, the Senate has moved in a bi-partisan way to help raise public awareness about this exciting new technology."

ABF comprises more than 30 member organizations representing diverse agriculture and food-related groups, including farmers, food processors, distributors and retailers; scientists and food technologists; and professionals in other fields dedicated to improving nutrition, protecting the environment and fighting world hunger.

Said Sen. Tim Hutchinson, founder and co-chairman of the Senate Biotechnology Caucus: "There have been phenomenal advancements in science over the last few years that are allowing us to improve health care, increase crop yields, reduce the use of pesticides, and replace costly industrial processes involving harsh chemicals with cheaper, safer, biological processes."

Senator Hutchinson added: "It is our hope that public officials, community leaders, researchers, professors, and school teachers across the country will take this week to actively promote understanding of biotechnology in their communities and their classrooms."

Other senators cosponsoring the resolution include: Michael Crapo (R-ID), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Larry Craig (R-ID), James Inhofe (R-OK), Jesse Helms (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Joseph Biden (D-DE) and John Kerry (D-MA).

107th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 75 Designating the week beginning May 13, 2001, as `National Biotechnology Week'. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES RESOLUTION Designating the week beginning May 13, 2001, as `National Biotechnology Week'.

Whereas biotechnology is increasingly important to the research and development of medical, agricultural, industrial, and environmental products; Whereas public awareness, education, and understanding of biotechnology is essential for the responsible application and regulation of this new technology; Whereas biotechnology has been responsible for breakthroughs and achievements that have benefited people for centuries and contributed to increasing the quality of human health care through the development of vaccines, antibiotics, and other drugs; Whereas biotechnology is central to research for cures to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, heart and lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and innumerable other medical ailments; Whereas biotechnology contributes to crop yields and farm productivity, and enhances the quality, value, and suitability of crops for food and other uses that are critical to the agriculture of the United States; Whereas biotechnology promises environmental benefits including protection of water quality, conservation of topsoil, improvement of waste management techniques, reduction of chemical pesticide usage, production of renewable energy and biobase products, and cleaner manufacturing processes; Whereas biotechnology contributes to the success of the United States as the global leader in research and development, and international commerce; Whereas biotechnology will be an important catalyst for creating more high-skilled jobs throughout the 21st century and will lead the way in reinvigorating rural economies; and Whereas it is important for all Americans to understand the beneficial role biotechnology plays in improving quality of life and protecting the environment: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) designates the week beginning May 13, 2001, as `National Biotechnology Week'; and (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.