Transcript Innovation in Plant Breeding

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