BIO is hosting the Impact Ag & Environment Conference, in-person for the first time in three years, in Omaha, Neb., Sept. 19-21, 2022. Headlined by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, the event will convene leaders across the bioeconomy whose cutting-edge companies are using science to tackle some of our world’s most pressing challenges—from food security to climate, supply chains to energy security, and more. Members of the media are invited to register and attend. What: The BIO Impact Ag & Environment Conference is the premier gathering of global biotech leaders for three days of discussion, partnering and networking to advance the role of science in enhancing agriculture and improving the environment. BIO Communications is available to help with connecting with companies and speakers and setting up interviews. When:  Mon., Sept. 19, – Wed., Sept. 21, 2022   Three plenary sessions, including remarks by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts Local company site tours Over a dozen breakout sessions on growing trust in scientific innovation, expanding the bioeconomy, and mitigating climate change Start-Up Stadium presentations by up-and-coming biotech companies and technologies Exhibit hall featuring the latest technologies and leading companies Where: CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68102 Why: The Impact Ag & Environment Conference is the place to learn more about how today’s biotech innovations are leading to tomorrow’s impact. Click here to register for media credentials.  BIO offers complimentary media registration to editors and reporters working for print, broadcast, or web publications with valid press credentials.

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) this week released the “Berlin Declaration” — a framework to work with G7 and G20 on a joint solution for better access to vaccines and treatments around the world for future pandemics. In support of the declaration, BIO president and CEO, Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, made the following remarks: “Scientists played a critical role in saving lives over the last two years by developing lifesaving vaccines and therapeutics to combat Covid-19.  “Unfortunately, we know Covid will not be our last pandemic. What we do today will impact how quickly we can defeat the next health crisis.  “The Berlin Declaration outlines ways to allow governments, industry, scientists, and key stakeholders to act quickly in the wake of health crises. Adopting these principles now will no doubt save lives in the future — especially those in underserved areas of the world — by ensuring quick and equitable distribution of innovative vaccines and therapeutics.”  

Washington, D.C. (July 20, 2022) – John Murphy, chief policy officer for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, released the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passing the fiscal 2023 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration and Related Agencies appropriations bill.   “The bill passed by the House supports the innovation needed to secure the food supply and advance sustainable technologies that enable farmers and ranchers to help fight climate change. BIO applauds and thanks members of Congress who voted in favor of this vital funding bill.   “We commend the leadership of Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.), and the 19 cosponsors, on the adoption of their amendment to support regulatory consistency by providing FDA the resources it needs to issue guidance on new plant varieties produced using the tools of genome editing and modernize the agency’s plant biotech consultation program. Clear, science-based and timely regulation of agricultural biotech traits is essential to the development and commercialization of critical agricultural biotechnology products in order to facilitate grower access to innovative tools for meeting the challenges facing farmers today and into the future.     We also welcome the adoption of Rep. Baird’s bipartisan amendment to streamline FDA’s review and approval of animal food ingredients, such as feed additives that reduce methane in cattle and enzymes that enhance the digestibility of energy, protein and phosphorus in livestock.   “BIO also thanks the House for including provisions that 1) urge USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to take measurable steps to establish a predictable, science-based regulatory pathway on genetically engineered microbes, 2) encourage the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to support non-profit ag biotech research partners to engage in transgenic plant research, and 3) provide $16…