Heinrich Farm Measure Approved in Committee

Jul 15, 2024

By Rob Hochschild

An agriculture bill brought forward by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich has received unanimous approval in committee. If it gets to the finish line, it will provide more than 15 million dollars for 18 New Mexico projects.

According to a statement released yesterday, the bill will support rural communities, provide funding for the Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC program, and invest in agricultural research.

Speaking before the Senate Appropriations committee yesterday, Senator Heinrich highlighted the benefits of the proposed measure.

“The bill before us supports American farmers and ranchers, protects our food supply, increases market transparency, and promotes the health and well-being of the youngest and most vulnerable by reducing poverty and food insecurity.

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Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.