Agriculture groups led by the pork industry are pressing the Food and Drug Administration to hand over regulation of genetically engineered animals to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Minnesota Pork Producers Association President Greg Boerboom says USDA should have primary jurisdiction because gene editing could be an important tool for pork producers in battling diseases like PRRS or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.

He says gene editing can also be used to help make animals resistant to other diseases.

Boerboom says if the Ag Department takes the lead it will also help with consumer acceptance.

Genetically engineered hogs resistant to diseases are expected to be commercially available within a couple of years.