May 18, 2018
Alliance Helps Educate Lawmakers on Biologicals By Tim Hodson

Last week, the Biological Products Industry Alliance’s (BPIA) Government Affairs Committee (GAC) held its second BPIA Capitol Hill Day of 2018.

Committee members spent the day at the United States Senate introducing BPIA and biological products including biopesticides and biostimulants to Congressional staff.

The Biological Products Industry Alliance promotes the responsible development of safe and effective biological products including biopesticides and biostimulants as beneficial tools for horticulture, ornamentals, home gardens and related industries through education, outreach and advocacy activities at the state, federal and international levels.

During last week’s Capitol Hill Day, GAC members met with the offices of Senator John Thune (R-SD), Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Senator David Perdue (R-GA).

One of the major agenda items for the meeting was that BPIA asked for support for inclusion of its proposed definition of biostimulants in the Senate’s version of the next Farm Bill. BPIA’s goal is to have a definition that is consistent with what has already been included in the draft bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A representative from the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) joined BPIA for these meetings to demonstrate that support for the biostimulant definition is broader than just the biological products industry.

If you’d like to learn more about the Biological Products Industry Alliance and its activities, or to become a member, go to www.bpia.org.

— Tim