Thai Biotech Team Studies Plant Variety Protection at Texas A&M

In USDA’s efforts to expand internationally accepted science-based trade policy, USDA is partnering with Thai officials to develop a trade-positive policy framework for genetically engineered crops. In September, seven Cochran fellows from the Thai Ministry of Agriculture visited Texas A&M University to study plant variety protection, intellectual property rights, and how to create regulations that are adaptable to rapidly changing technologies. Dr. Mike McWhorter of Texas A&M praised the objectives and benefits of the Cochran Fellowship program noting that, “Cochran is invaluable to U.S. exporters. Not only can it help prevent unnecessary trade barriers, but it also builds lasting professional relationships with key trade partners, creating foundations for healthy, long-term business relationships.”