WOYM – GMO Wheat – The Time Has Come

In this episode, we engage with Dalton Henry, the Vice President of Policy at U.S. Wheat Associates, and Peter Laudman, the Director of Trade Policy at U.S. Wheat Associates. 

Together, they bring a wealth of experience in agricultural policy and trade, focusing on the implications of new technologies in the wheat industry. Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of wheat consumption and production in the U.S., as well as the regulatory challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

We discuss the critical advancements in wheat seed technology, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), hybrid wheat, and gene editing, and their implications for U.S. farmers and international markets.

• The introduction of HB4 drought-tolerant wheat marks a significant milestone in the global wheat industry.
• The streamlined regulatory process in the U.S. facilitates quicker approvals for GMOs, benefiting future gene editing technologies.
• Successful commercialization of GM wheat can address agricultural challenges, as demonstrated by the HB4 trait.
• Lessons from the Syngenta MIR162 case highlight the importance of securing regulatory approvals before market introduction.
• Maintaining communication with international markets is essential for ensuring U.S. wheat remains competitive.
• Embracing innovative wheat technologies is crucial for addressing food security and climate resilience challenges.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to the Wheat's On Your Mind podcast and guests

(01:06) - Background on wheat consumption, production, and seed technology

(02:23) - Impact of biofuels initiatives on crop choices

(03:38) - Overview of GMOs, hybrid wheat, and gene editing technologies

(03:53) - Discussion of HB4 drought-tolerant wheat trait in Argentina

(05:11) - Peter's reconnaissance trip to Argentina to learn about HB4

(06:15) - Observations from HB4 wheat field trials

(07:23) - Performance of HB4 wheat under drought and normal conditions

(09:35) - Regulatory approvals for HB4 wheat globally

(11:10) - Process for introducing GMO traits in the US market

(13:45) - Lessons from past GMO commercialization issues

(15:14) - US wheat industry principles for biotechnology commercialization

(16:53) - Customer reactions to GMO wheat developments

(19:04) - Communication and relationship with Bioceres

(20:55) - Implications of HB4 approval on other wheat technologies

(24:00) - Global progress on gene-edited wheat development

(25:26) - Importance of new wheat technologies for global competitiveness

(27:24) - Humanitarian aspects of increased wheat production

(28:50) - Closing remarks on the future of wheat technology

Kansas Wheat
WheatsOnYorMind.com