National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Government Affairs Committee November 12 2015 Jane DeMarchi The Goals of Plant Breeders Remain the Same Source BDP Genetic Variability Fundamental to Plant Breeding ID: 534031
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Slide1
Innovation in Plant Breeding
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Government Affairs Committee
November
12
,
2015
Jane DeMarchiSlide2
The Goals of Plant Breeders Remain the SameSlide3
Source: BDPSlide4
Genetic Variability: Fundamental to Plant Breeding
Photos: Corbis
Phil Simon, ARSSlide5
Plant
breeders today have access to an incredible array of genetic information from both commercial and wild plant varieties.Slide6
Genetic Variability: Fundamental to Plant Breeding
Newer
breeding methods also use genetic variability as source material
Very specific changes in existing plant genesAbility to transfer defined pieces of plant’s genetic materialThe plant varieties developed using these new tools could, in most cases, be developed through classical breedingSlide7
Focus on Gene Editing
Various m
ethods
include: Talens
, Zinc Fingers, CrispersThese methods allow us to precisely change specific DNA sequences in an identified geneRe-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 genesSlide8
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 mechanismsA more precise way of inducing genetic variation (mutation)Slide9
Importance to Plant Breeders
Gene editing
methods
can be used across all agriculturally important cropsEfficient and precise
Can reduce R&D and breeding timeImportant 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 breedersSlide10
Policy Endpoints
Question is
not
whether a new plant variety is adequately regulatedFDA already has oversight for all
foods derived from plantsAPHIS 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 warrantedSlide11
No stable Gene Insertion (e.g., gene editing)
Sexually
Compatible (e.g.,
cisgenics
)
Genetic Insertion?
Stable Gene
Insertion
Source of DNA?
Not Sexually Compatible
“Product” of genetic insertion in final variety?
Protein/trait--History
of Safe
Use or familiarity?
No Pre-market
Review
Pre-market Review Required
OR
Protein
Expressed
No
History or familiarity
No Protein
Expressed (e.g., gene silencing)
History of Safe
Use or familiarity
OR
AND
AND
DRAFT CONCEPTSlide12
Many Moving Parts Now
White House Memo on Coordinated Framework
Goals
Clarify roles and responsibilitiesDevelop a long-term strategy Timeline is short Stakeholder input
Comments due Friday, November 13th Slide13
APHIS/BRS Review of Part 340 regulations
Notice of Intent (NOI) as soon as December
BRS – “Assess Risk then Regulate”
Good Points Risk based approachBad Points
All new breeding techniques swept into initial review Too much uncertainty Trade implications Slide14
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 Slide15
International Goal:
Consistent Policy End Points
Role of International Seed Federation
Other countriesEU legal interpretationJapan
ArgentinaAustraliaBuilding AlliancesSlide16
Education Key to Consumer Appreciation
of Seed and Seed ImprovementSlide17
Communication is Key
Policy Makers
Value Chain
Public/consumersDomestic and InternationalSlide18
Goal: To Have Entire Toolbox AvailableSlide19
Thank You