Scientist calls for global collaboration in using biotech to feed the world

In an interview with Earthsky, Nina Fedoroff, president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest scientific society, discussed the important role of biotechnology in helping to feed the world and called for global collaboration in determining science-based regulations.

Dr. Fedoroff said, “there’s virtually no food that isn’t genetically modified. Let’s look at it carefully. Let’s put experts together to help regulate it, and go forward.” Read more

Drought-resistant crops help farmers withstand environmental challenges

According to Triple Pundit, an Israeli agro-biotechnology company is developing plant varieties genetically modified to withstand prolonged periods of severe drought, while also maintaining increased crop yields.

The company’s CEO, Amir Anviel said, “This experiment is another step in the company’s progress towards production of improved plants that will provide farmers with excellent yield even in drought conditions, and allow the growth of crops in wide areas that are currently unsuitable due to soil salinity and weather conditions.” Read more

Farmers say relocation of innovative German biotech company will hurt EU ag industry

Reuters reports a German company known for innovative biotech research decided to transfer its headquarters to the United States due to bans on cultivating GM crops, despite EU safety approval and protests from farming cooperatives.

Germany’s largest association of farming cooperatives said the announcement was “disastrous for Europe as a location for agricultural industries.” Read more

Approval of GM Papaya supports U.S. economic growth

Japan’s decision to approve genetically modified (GM) papaya produced by Hawaiian farmers will create U.S. jobs and boost exports, the Associated Press reports.

USDA Under Secretary Michael Scuse said in a statement, “This announcement will ensure that Hawaii’s papaya producers help to drive our agricultural economy by expanding exports, creating jobs, and strengthening our nation’s competitiveness.” Read more.

Biotechnology advances needed to increase global cotton production

Global cotton production, which is expected to see slow growth the rest of this decade, could benefit from advances in biotechnology to increase yields, Delta Farm Press reports. 

Dr. Terry Townsend, executive director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee in Washington, said, “It is likely that over the next several decades, new advances in technologies could trigger another period (or two) of rapid growth in cotton yields.” Read more.

VOA editorial: biotech solutions contribute to global food production

A Voice of America editorial cites the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security initiative, Feed the Future, as demonstrating that innovative agricultural technology solutions can help increase global food production.

“From investing in advanced seeds that tolerate drought and resist disease, to infrastructure and market development, this comprehensive approach to agricultural development will also stimulate sustainable economic growth.” Read more.     

UK ag minister discusses the benefits of biotech for the environment and food security

According to The Guardian, The UK’s agriculture minister, Jim Paice, said genetically modified (GM) crops could help to meet the rising food demand. Speaking at the annual Oxford Farming Conference, the article said his comments emphasized, “the promised benefits of GM varieties - which would need less nitrogen fertiliser, pesticides or fresh water than non-GM foods - could not be ignored, as demand was rising and pressure on resources and land increasing.” Read more.

According to the Boulder County Business Report, this week Boulder County, Colorado commissioners voted to allow genetically modified (GM) corn and sugar beets to be grown on open space owned by the county.

In response to the decision, GM crop proponents said that “science shows such crops are safe, and that they help farmers get better yields with fewer chemicals.” Read more.

During a speech at the New America Foundation, U.S. Senator Dick Lugar (R-Indiana) emphasized that meeting the world’s future food needs will require innovative agricultural technologies, Agri-Pulse reports. His comments were in response to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute, which pointed out that the addition of three billion new consumers over the next 20 years will create challenges for agricultural production and the environment.

As one of the few farmers currently serving in the U.S. Senate, he referenced his experience working on a family farm in Indiana, “I am convinced that improved seed technology is vital. Given the challenges of altered weather patterns, future water scarcity, new pests and diseases, and the need for more nutritious plants, we must use all the technology in our toolbox, including bioengineered seeds,” he said. Read more.