The newly concluded Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) includes language related to biotechnology in agricultural products for the first time ever.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack calls the biotech inclusion “historic” and says it discusses “acknowledgement by member countries that they’ll use science-based determinations relative to biotechnology and to promote greater transparency in the regulatory presence.”

During a press conference about the agreement Tuesday, Vilsack promoted the benefits of TPP for U.S. agriculture. “History of free trade agreements with reference to agriculture will tell us that agriculture is a winner every time,” said Vilsack. “TPP is going to be no exception to that history.”

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