Panel discussion/ Q&A: Gene-to-Product Development

Abstract

There is a new initiative to assist in the navigation of regulatory requirements for specialty or minor crops: the Specialty Crops Regulatory Initiative. It should assist public-sector and small private companies in meeting regulatory requirements. Obstacles in bringing products to market are a challenge and bridging communication between scientists and business people for effective is a vital step. Programs assist commercialization of industrial biotechnology products. They include the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program, which provides government markets especially for early-stage products, and the USDA/CCC Bioenergy Program, which has catalyzed investment in the biodiesel industry.