Published in Probe Volume 2(1): Spring 1992
Dr. Susan McCarthy, Coordinator
Plant Genome Data and Information Center
National Agricultural Library, USDA
Beltsville, MD
Biotechnology is on the move. The industry is rapidly expanding, with approximately 1,100 companies in the United States alone engaged in some aspect of biotechnology. Most of the companies are small--76 percent have 50 or fewer employees. Revenues in 1991 amounted to about $4 billion in product sales. Human therapeutics have the greatest market share (35 percent). Agricultural biotechnology accounts for 8 percent of biotechnology markets.
Government Support
The Federal Government has recognized the importance of biotechnology in developing new jobs and products. Congress and the President are working to foster the industry. A Presidential Initiative is in the works for FY 1993. The President's FY 1993 budget targets $4.03 billion for biotechnology research, a 7 percent increase over the FY 1992 budget. The bulk of the money will be spent on biomedical research. Agricultural biotechnology would receive about $207 million. A detailed report of the Bush initiative is available. To obtain a copy, see the screened box.
Another project underway in the Federal arena is the National Technology Initiative which was launched by President Bush last February. Its goal is to promote a better understanding of the opportunities for industry to commercialize new technology advances. To help implement this initiative, thousands of firms have been meeting with Federal representatives at 11 conferences held around the country. Agricultural biotechnology and the transfer of this new technology is one of the key program areas discussed at three of these meetings.
In Congress, House and Senate members have come together in a bipartisan coalition to form the Congressional Biotechnology Caucus. Their purpose is to provide an informal forum to promote and support the biotechnology industry. Senate Co-chairs are Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Hank Brown (R-CO). House Cochairs are Tom McMillen (D-MD) and Tom Bliley (R-VA).
Caucus Issues
Issues to be addressed by the Caucus include:
• Broadening the support and knowledge of biotechnology advances and
benefits.
• Developing awareness of and addressing solutions for the problems
of the
biotechnology industry.
• Increasing awareness of the economic benefits the United States
receives from
the biotechnology industry.
• Monitoring Administration policy, especially in the area of patents
and
trademarks.
• Supporting existing committees and members with oversight
responsibilities
relevant to the biotechnology industry.
• Supporting legislation redressing biotechnology industrial problems
and acting
as liaison with the Executive Branch.
• Providing an educational forum where ideas and issues involving
biotechnology
will be exchanged.
The Caucus recognizes the benefits that biotechnology can bring to our society. These benefits include non-toxic biodegradable pesticides, bioremediation of toxic spills, vaccines and treatments for human and animal diseases, and a more productive and nutritious food supply.
The Congressional Biotechnology Caucus
Senate Co-Chairs Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Hank Brown (R-CO)
House Co-Chairs Tom McMillen (D-MD)
Tom Bliley (R-VA)
Staff Contacts Sander Lurie, Legislative Assistant
to Senator Lautenberg (202) 224-6822
John Bliss, Minority Chief Counsel for
Technology and the Law Subcommittee,
Senator Brown (202) 224-8255
Mike Simoncic, Legislative Assistant to
Rep. McMillen (202) 225-8090
J. D. Derderian, Legislative Director to
Rep. Bliley (202) 225-2815
Biotechnology Caucus business is handled through Rep. Bliley's office.