Office of Biotechnology Policy

Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 220 (7 U.S.C. 6920) the following: 220A. Office of Biotechnology Policy (a) In general The Secretary shall establish in the Department an Office of Biotechnology Policy to provide for the effective coordination of policies and activities within the Department of Agriculture related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and related emerging technologies, while taking into account the effects of regulatory actions of other government agencies. (b) Director The Office of Biotechnology Policy shall be under the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary. (c) Duties The Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall— (1) develop and coordinate Department policy on biotechnology and related topics; (2) coordinate activities and services of the Department on biotechnology and related topics, including— (A) research and development; (B) extension and education; (C) communication; (D) regulation and labeling; and (E) commercialization, use, and trade; (3) assist other offices and agencies of the Department in fulfilling their responsibilities related to biotechnology under applicable Federal law; and (4) perform such other functions as may be required under Federal law or prescribed by the Secretary. (d) Interagency coordination In carrying out the duties under subsection (b), (c), the Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall provide leadership to ensure coordination of interagency activities with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and other Federal and State agencies. (e) Outreach The Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall consult with biotechnology developers, academics, agricultural producers, and other entities that may be affected by biotechnology-related activities or actions of the Department or other Federal and State agencies as necessary in carrying out the Office’s responsibilities under this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031..