Government and Regulatory Affairs
Community Relations for Biotechnology Projects

Although not as controversial as they were in the 1980s, uses of living genetically engineered organisms in the environment have the potential to stir a great deal of community interest in the locality of a planned field use. Most of the successful field tests of engineered microbes and plants have avoided adverse local reactions by careful attention to the need for community relations. A well-thought-out and well-executed program can act as an insurance policy to inform local citizens about the proposed project, to head off any possible negative reaction.

Services offered

• Advise companies on the unique public and community concerns that might arise during open-field uses of genetically modified organisms or the commercial sale of biotechnology products
• Help plan and conduct programs to overcome opposition and gain community support for such projects.

Qualifications and Accomplishments

Proven Track Record in Obtaining Community Support for Field Testing Programs. Designed and conducted community relations programs for some of the earliest field tests of genetically engineered organisms in the United States. These programs, centered on several midwestern states, featured outreach to elected officials, community leaders and the media, and were successful in heading off organized opposition while generating community support for the field trials.

Extensive Experience with the Media. Frequent interactions with electronic and print media as spokesman for field tests and other agricultural and food biotechnology projects. Coordinated media relations for International Food Biotechnology Council, and planned and helped conduct press briefing and other media activities to accompany the launch of IFBC's scientific report on food biotechnology safety assessment in June 1990.

Knowledge and Experience with Congress and State Legislatures. Frequent contact and liaison with members of Congress, state legislators and their staffs on biotechnology issues. Advised IFBC on Congressional relations following release of FDA Food Biotechnology policy in 1992. Testimony before Congressional and legislative committees; service on two midwestern state biotechnology advisory committees.

Speaking Appearances. Over 50 speaking appearances on agricultural biotechnology and its regulation, including several specifically covering risk communication and community relations, such as a tutorial on Media Relations in Biotechnology Regulation and Risk Communication at the Boston University Biostrategies Conference in November 1990, and a talk on public participation in the agricultural biotechnology regulatory process at the Third National Conference on Federal and State Regulation of Biotechnology in July 1991.