[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 100 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 28193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-12992]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. 03-051-1]


Genetically Engineered Forest and Fruit Trees; Public Meeting

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This is to notify parties involved in those fields associated 
with the environmental release of genetically engineered trees, as well 
as other interested persons, that a public meeting will be held to 
provide a forum for discussion on the environmental safety, potential 
benefits, and risks of genetically engineered trees relative to 
traditional varieties. The meeting is being organized by the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service.

DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2003, from 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, July 9, 2003, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the USDA Center at 
Riverside, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about the meeting or 
to register, contact Mr. John Cordts, Biotechnologist, BRS, APHIS, 4700 
River Road Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236; (301) 734-5531, fax: 
(301) 734-8669, or e-mail: [email protected].
    In addition, information regarding the meeting and registration is 
available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/biotech/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations in 7 CFR part 340, 
``Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through 
Genetic Engineering Which Are Plant Pests or Which There Is Reason to 
Believe Are Plant Pests,'' (referred to below as the regulations) 
regulate, among other things, the introduction (importation, interstate 
movement, or release into the environment) of organisms and products 
altered or produced through genetic engineering that are plant pests or 
that there is reason to believe are plant pests. Such genetically 
engineered organisms and products are considered ``regulated 
articles.''
    Field tests of genetically engineered forest and fruit trees are 
currently being conducted under the regulations. In order to provide a 
forum for the discussion of regulatory and scientific issues related to 
the environmental safety, potential benefits, and risks associated with 
genetically engineered forest and fruit trees, the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is organizing a public meeting. This 
public meeting is scheduled for July 8-9, 2003, and will provide an 
opportunity for the exchange of information between APHIS 
representatives, scientists with recognized expertise in fields 
associated with the environmental release of genetically engineered 
trees, and other interested persons on subjects including forest 
ecology, plant genetics, and weed science. Preregistration is required 
for all those who wish to attend the meeting. The deadline for all 
preregistration is Monday, June 30, 2003. Information regarding the 
meeting and registration instructions may be obtained from the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/biotech/.
    Persons interested in making an oral presentation at the meeting 
should submit a brief written statement of the general views they wish 
to present, the name and address of each person who will participate in 
the presentation, and an estimate of the approximate length of time 
needed to make the presentation. This information should be submitted 
to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or through 
the Internet address provided in that section no later than July 1, 
2003. The number of oral presentations and the time allocated for each 
may be limited, depending upon the number of requests. Oral 
presentations will be recorded in the proceedings of the meeting. 
Persons interested in submitting written comments for inclusion in the 
proceedings may do so by e-mail, postal mail/commercial delivery, or 
fax by August 1, 2003. Send all comments to the person listed under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please state that your comment refers to 
Docket No. 03-051-1. If you use e-mail, your comment must be contained 
in the body of your message or sent as an attachment in WordPerfect or 
Microsoft Word format. Please include your name and address in your 
message and ``Docket No. 03-051-1'' on the subject line.

Parking and Security Procedures

    Please note that a fee of $2.25 is required to enter the parking 
lot at the USDA Center at Riverside. The machine accepts $1 bills or 
quarters.
    Upon entering the building, visitors should inform security 
personnel that they are attending the Tree Biotechnology meeting. 
Identification is required. Security personnel will direct visitors to 
the sign-in tables located outside of the Conference Center. All 
participants must sign in upon arrival. Conference badges must be worn 
throughout the day.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 16th day of May 2003 .
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 03-12992 Filed 5-22-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P