Which U.S. agency is primarily responsible for overseeing genetically modified organisms?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is primarily responsible for overseeing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as it plays a key role in regulating agricultural biotechnology. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is tasked with ensuring that any genetically engineered plants do not pose a risk to plant health and biodiversity. This involves evaluating the potential environmental impacts of GMOs and ensuring their safe and responsible use in agriculture.

While other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also have roles in the oversight of GMOs, the USDA focuses specifically on agricultural aspects. The EPA is more concerned with the environmental implications of pesticide use associated with GMOs, whereas the FDA is responsible for the safety of food products derived from genetically modified crops. The other options, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), do not have direct regulatory authority over GMOs in agriculture. Thus, the USDA is recognized as the primary regulatory body for GMOs in the U.S., overseeing their development, testing, and commercialization.