1. Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) Program Dr. Shing Kwok, National Program Leader, NIFA Dr. Mark Mirando, National Program Leader, NIFA Dr. Jack Okamuro, National Program Leader, ARS Ms. Desiree Abrams, Program Specialist, NIFA

2. Program Priorities Genomic variation between GE and non-GE transformation methods Environmental impacts of GE crops Pollen/gene flow biology and management practices for co-existence Methods to monitor and/or manage dispersal of GE organisms Biological, ecological, and/or risk assessment studies of GE perennial species Potential non-target effects of RNA interference transgenes

3. Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21 st Century Agriculture (AC 21) The AC21 was originally established in Feb., 2003, first met in June, 2003. Charged with examining the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA Provides guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture. The AC21 is a broad-based committee representing a wide range of interests and agricultural expertise. The AC21, which met frequently between 2003 and 2008, has been revived by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to focus in the near term on a specific topic: to develop practical recommendations for strengthening coexistence among different agricultural production methods The Committee will meet 3 or 4 times per year in public session to discuss this topic. http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=AC2 1Main.xml

4. BRAG Acknowledgement and Impact Statements Acknowledgement statement - “This project was supported by Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grant Program competitive grant no. ####-#####-##### from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Agricultural Research Service” Notify program staff regarding publications, presentation/talks at conferences, press releases related to BRAG-funded research. Impact Statement on CRIS/REEPort should contain: Information regarding change in knowledge related to biotechnology New information regarding change in practice to prevention, mitigation, and/or monitor GE organisms Information regarding impacts on co-existence and agriculture Draft impact statements that focus on impacts to researchers, farmers, commodity groups, federal regulators, congressional leaders, general public Should not be an extension of your results, should be less technical