The White House recently announced an executive order aimed at advancing biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovations to enhance sustainability measures. Industry groups have expressed concerns with the order, especially with its emphasis on cell-cultured products.
The executive order promotes using a “whole-of-government approach to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing towards innovative solutions in health, climate change, energy, food security, agriculture, supply chain resilience, and national and economic security.”
Along with creating climate-smart incentives for ag producers and landowners, the order requires department secretaries to create reports on how to use biotechnology and biomanufacturing within their sector. For USDA, this entails documenting how to use the technologies to improve sustainability and land conservation, increase food quality and nutrition, increase ag yields, protect against diseases and pests, and, critically, cultivate alternative food sources.
Department heads have 180 days following the order’s enactment on Sept. 12 to submit their reports. Within 100 days of receiving the reports, federal leaders will have 100 days to develop a plan to implement report recommendations.
“The development of this implementation plan shall also include the solicitation of input from external experts regarding potential ethical implications or other societal impacts, including environmental sustainability and environmental justice,” the order read.
Within two years of the executive order, department heads will be required to report on the measures taken and resources allocated to enhance biotechnology and biomanufacturing within their department.
Industry reactions
Cattle associations noted how the industry already uses biotechnology, such as using livestock feed derived from genetically modified ingredients, using gene editing and administering vaccines to treat and prevent disease.
“Cell-cultured products cannot be independently produced—the technology is shrouded in intellectual property protection and requires intensive capital resources,” said U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Brooke Miller in a statement. “These factors could lead to the monopolistic control of America’s sovereign food supply that we see already today in the U.S. livestock and meat industries.”
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) echoed Miller’s sentiment. “Unfortunately, we are extremely disappointed that this Executive Order also addresses fake meat production under the guise of food security,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein in a statement. “Supporting cell-cultured, fake meat products is the wrong approach and the administration should remain focused on supporting America’s farmers and ranchers.”
The administration has advocated for further investments in cultured meat in the past, as shown by USDA awarding $10 million to Tufts University in 2021 to create the National Institute for Cellular Agriculture.
The executive order also directs the secretaries of Defense, Commerce, and Health and Human Services to create reports on their respective sectors. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
