Plant Breeding

Originally published March 19, 2015 in the Manitoba Cooperator

The terminology used to describe modern plant breeding gives it a bad name

Canola in bloom

Google reveals a plethora of ideas for “How to choose a name.” It has suggestions for your baby, your dog, your business, your blog and more.

Have you ever wondered what the discussion would be around food and agriculture if plant scientists sought similar advice when naming genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? They’re immersed in science, their everyday field, and the terminology of their everyday language. “Transgenic plant breeding” and “biotech crops” are also used to describe the breeding methods, but the terminology has created fear, apprehension and misunderstanding for many consumers. Even when people do not know what a GMO is they believe they should be feared and avoided. For an example, see “What’s a GMO?” for Jimmy Kimmel’s take on the subject.

So instead of technology moving forward to provide solutions to drought, famine and disease it sits on a shelf while a heated public debate ensues.

But where would we be if a different name had been chosen? GMOs are a precise extension of conventional plant breeding, changing only one to three genes instead of 10,000 to 800,000. It takes less than five years to develop a new variety as opposed to five to 30 years. It is a straightforward, accurate, timely and effective process. Humans have been manipulating plant genetics for more than 10,000 years but only recently have breeding practices been called into question. Is it possible the name contributed to the skepticism?

Would have “precision plant breeding” better suited the process? Would have it instilled confidence instead of fear? Enthusiasm instead of activism? We will never know, but as the #farmtofood conversation continues to grow, perhaps we should re-examine the terminology we use and the names we choose.

If we are to bridge the gap between science, industry and consumer, care should be taken to ensure our language is building bridges of understanding not fences of fear. A name needs to be representative and descriptive but should also be clear and concise to all.

Originally published in the March 2015 Canola Digest

Agriculture and food production are in the spotlight now more than ever and GMOs are on the hot seat. But the science is often misunderstood.

Dr. Kevin Folta, horticulture professor and research scientist from the University of Florida, spoke about communicating science at the Manitoba Canola Growers Association’s “Does science belong on my plate?” event in Winnipeg in October.

Kevin Folta – photo by Tyler Jones.

Speaking to home economists, dietitians, students, food bloggers, consumers, farmers and industry members, Folta broke down the science, dispelled myths and alleviated any fears one might have had over how our food is produced.

He began by addressing the trepidation consumers have of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) despite not knowing exactly what they are or how they work. He asked the group if they knew how many crops currently use this technology. The answer in October was eight — corn, canola, soybeans, cotton, alfalfa, papaya, sugar beets and squash. FDA approval of Simplot’s Innate potatoes in November 2014 makes nine.

Folta explained that “transgenic”, rather than GMO, is a more accurate description, meaning plants contain a gene inserted using recombinant DNA technology. This is a precise extension of conventional plant breeding but changes only one to 3 genes instead of 10,000 to 800,000 that can change through conventional breeding. And it takes less than 5 years to develop as opposed to 5-30 years through conventional breeding.

Plant Breeding Chart – courtesy Kevin Folta

He described how genes are transferred. It is a straightforward and effective process, not resembling at all the “frankenfood” images often seen on the Internet. And it is tested and safe. In 18 years, not one case of illness or death has been related to GMOs.

While the technology may be relatively new, he reminded us that humans have been manipulating plant genetics for more than 10,000 years. As the world’s population increases, moving forward in developing genetics and production methods will generate better quality and increased yields on the same land-base with fewer inputs. Resistance is one limitation, but this can be overcome.

Many consumers want “natural” food, but Folta advised that nothing we eat is natural. It has all changed from its original form.

Courtesy Kevin Folta

The public is hungry for knowledge, but torn as to who to believe. Fear and risk are being manufactured and sold by so-called experts, he says. Correlation, not causation is being cited. Biotechnology is only part of the solution in feeding our growing world, but it shouldn’t be opposed for invalid reasons.

The most sobering part of his presentation was learning of available solutions being blocked because of misinformation, fear and activism.

Strawberries could be grown without fungicides by allowing a single gene within the strawberry to be “turned up” all the way, he says. Biotech “golden” rice, rich in Vitamin A, could prevent blindness and death. Root disease could be stopped in cassava, a nutrient rich root vegetable. Drought-resistant corn could be grown. The allergy gene in peanuts could be “turned off”. Black spot and wilt could be prevented in tomatoes. Oil content and quality improvements could be made in soybeans and canola. Diseases could be stopped in grapes, eggplant and citrus crops.

While this technology sits on a shelf, the benefits to farmers, consumers and the environment are being delayed. Most striking are solutions to drought, famine and disease in developing nations not being implemented because of activism from first world countries where food is abundant, plentiful, affordable and safe.

As a farmer, I believe if all concerned consumers had the benefit of attending this informative event, the debate over how our food is produced would stop. The evening was invaluable as a resource for advocacy. If we and others in the industry are able to share our stories and answer questions, perhaps we can help advance science and reason to ensure productive steps continue to taken to improve agriculture methods and food production around the world.

More information on GMOs can be found via the links below.

GMO Answers

Talking Biotech Podcast

Biofortified Blog

Genetic Literacy Project