Bio-pharming gives unique challenges for the agricultural area and federal regulators.  The challenge comes up from the strict requirements which are enforced by federal regulations that plants grown for pharmaceutical and industrial compounds but not yet approved for food and feed use have to stay clear of the food system under a zero-tolerance standard.  The key issue is whether or not the economic payoffs from growing pharmaceutical plants outweigh the costs connected with the risk of food system contamination. (Elbehri)