BIO STATEMENT: Biotechnology Industry Calls on French President to Reverse Illegal Ban on Biotech Crops

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and Chief
Executive Officer Jim Greenwood today issued the following statement
regarding French President Nicolas Sarkozy's announced plan to
temporarily halt commercial plantings of biotech crops in France:

"The biotechnology industry was very disappointed to learn that
French President Nicolas Sarkozy plans to suspend the commercial
plantings of biotech crops in France. Not only is this ban a violation
of European Union and international trade laws, it greatly infringes
on the right of French farmers to have equal access and freedom to
choose what crops are best for their farming operations. Worldwide,
more than 10.3 million farmers grow biotech crops because of their
increased and enhanced yields, and the proven environmental and
socioeconomic benefits they provide.

"BIO and its members regret that this policy decision is so
short-sighted. We urge the U.S. government to object to this policy at
the highest levels. It is especially troubling that such a decision
has been made to ban biotech crops in France at a time when France
will soon assume the Presidency of the European Union. This illegal
moratorium will negatively impact French farmers, consumers, and the
environment.

"BIO and its members call on President Sarkozy to support a
science-based regulatory process that ensures farmers of every country
have access to the crops that best fulfill the business decisions they
must make. Scientific organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, the European Food Safety Authority, and the French
Food Agency, Agence France de Securite Sanitaire des Aliments (AFSSA)
have all concluded that biotech crops and foods are safe. There is no
scientific evidence present to support the French moratorium on
biotech crops.

"In addition, this decision is at clear odds with the
environmental initiatives the President is introducing -- it is
obvious that in choosing to ban biotech crops, he has failed to
recognize the fact that agricultural biotechnology can significantly
reduce agriculture's environmental footprint, and for over a decade
has enabled farmers to be better stewards of the land. Biotech crops
have been proven to reduce pesticide applications, decrease run-off,
lessen soil compaction and erosion, and reduce fossil fuel use. By
banning biotech crops, it is apparent that President Sarkozy did not
take into consideration the conclusions of a 2004 AFSSA report which
found the benefits from using pest-resistant biotech crops, such as Bt
corn and cotton, significant in protecting the environment and
consumers."

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic
institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations
across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are
involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural,
industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces
the annual BIO International Convention, the global event for
biotechnology. www.bio.org

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Upcoming BIO Events
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-- Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
November 14-16, 2007
Honolulu, Hawaii

-- BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 11-13, 2008
New York, NY

-- BIO International Convention
June 17-20, 2008
San Diego, CA
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