Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Innovation in Plant Breeding National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Government Affairs Committee November 12, 2015 Jane DeMarchi Source: BDP Genetic Variability: Fundamental to Plant Breeding Phil Simon, ARS Photos: Corbis Plant breeders today have access to an incredible array of genetic information from both commercial and wild plant varieties. Genetic Variability: Fundamental to Plant Breeding • Newer breeding methods also use genetic variability as source material – Very specific changes in existing plant genes – Ability to transfer defined pieces of plant’s genetic material • The plant varieties developed using these new tools could, in most cases, be developed through classical breeding Focus on Gene Editing • Various methods include: ─ Talens, Zinc Fingers, Crispers • These methods allow us to precisely change specific DNA sequences in an identified gene - Re-create gene sequence from wild relative— e.g., disease resistance - Target multi-genic characteristics—e.g., output and consumer traits - “Silence” unwanted or deleterious gene - Enhance beneficial genes Is Gene Editing the Same as GMOs? • No stable insertion of a gene • “Foreign” DNA can be removed from final plant variety • Utilizes plants own DNA repair mechanisms • A more precise way of inducing genetic variation (mutation) Importance to Plant Breeders • Gene editing methods can be used across all agriculturally important crops • Efficient and precise ─ Can reduce R&D and breeding time ─ Important for plants with long generation times ─ Important for crops with rapidly evolving diseases and pests • Relatively inexpensive ─ Widely available to companies of all sizes and public breeders Policy Endpoints • Question is not whether a new plant variety is adequately regulated – FDA already has oversight for all foods derived from plants – APHIS has ample authority to address risks posed by plant pests and noxious weeds • Question is whether a special pre-market review and clearance process is warranted Genetic Insertion? DRAFT CONCEPT No stable Gene Insertion (e.g., gene editing) Stable Gene Insertion Source of DNA? Sexually Compatible (e.g., cisgenics) Not Sexually Compatible AND “Product” of genetic insertion in final variety? No Protein Expressed (e.g., gene silencing) Protein Expressed AND Pre-market Review Required No History or familiarity OR Protein/trait--History of Safe Use or familiarity? OR History of Safe Use or familiarity No Premarket Review Many Moving Parts Now White House Memo on Coordinated Framework • Goals – Clarify roles and responsibilities – Develop a long-term strategy • Timeline is short • Stakeholder input – Comments due Friday, November 13th APHIS/BRS Review of Part 340 regulations • Notice of Intent (NOI) as soon as December • BRS – “Assess Risk then Regulate” – Good Points • Risk based approach – Bad Points • All new breeding techniques swept into initial review • Too much uncertainty • Trade implications Safe and Accurate Food Labeling • Definitions – What is genetic engineering or a genetically engineered plant? • HR 1599 does not include new breeding techniques • Impact on Pre-emption International Goal: Consistent Policy End Points • Role of International Seed Federation • Other countries – EU legal interpretation – Japan – Argentina – Australia • Building Alliances Education Key to Consumer Appreciation of Seed and Seed Improvement Click to edit Master title style Confidential: For ASTA and Member Companies. Do not distribute Communication is Key • • • • Policy Makers Value Chain Public/consumers Domestic and International Goal: To Have Entire Toolbox Available Thank You