Benefits of Plant Biotechnology

1. Benefits of Plant Biotechnology

2. 2 Today I want to talk about plant biotechnology. That’s a mouthful, but the message is really pretty easy to digest. Plant biotechnology is about improving lives by . . . Producing more food to feed a global population that is now more than 6 billion and growing. (Click) Producing better food — everything from cooking oils with more vitamin E and less saturated fat to fruit with built-in vaccines to stave off deadly disease. (Click) Producing food in a way that is better for the environment — like enhanced corn and soybeans that require less spraying and plowing, and crops that can thrive in degraded soils in parts of Asia, the western United States and elsewhere. These are just a few examples of how plant biotechnology is improving lives — now and in the future. But there’s also no doubt that biotechnology is controversial in some circles. Today I want to talk about plant biotechnology. That’s a mouthful, but the message is really pretty easy to digest. Plant biotechnology is about improving lives by . . . Producing more food to feed a global population that is now more than 6 billion and growing. (Click) Producing better food — everything from cooking oils with more vitamin E and less saturated fat to fruit with built-in vaccines to stave off deadly disease. (Click) Producing food in a way that is better for the environment — like enhanced corn and soybeans that require less spraying and plowing, and crops that can thrive in degraded soils in parts of Asia, the western United States and elsewhere. These are just a few examples of how plant biotechnology is improving lives — now and in the future. But there’s also no doubt that biotechnology is controversial in some circles.

3. 3 That’s not surprising because plant breeding has always caused concern for some. Take the case of Britain’s Thomas Fairchild, who’s known as “the forgotten father of the flower garden.” He created Europe’s first man-made hybrid nearly 300 years ago — and went to his grave worrying about what he had done. He cross-bred Sweet William with the carnation to create an entirely new plant (click), which you see on the right. This new plant gave rise to many of the thousands of new hybrids you see in flower catalogues today. Today, no one views these beautiful flowers as Frankenflowers or a violation of the natural order. But much the same argument is being used against biotechnology — even though it can be argued that biotechnology is a much more precise way of introducing beneficial traits than traditional cross-breeding. It’s really just a better and more refined tool for plant breeding. That’s not surprising because plant breeding has always caused concern for some. Take the case of Britain’s Thomas Fairchild, who’s known as “the forgotten father of the flower garden.” He created Europe’s first man-made hybrid nearly 300 years ago — and went to his grave worrying about what he had done. He cross-bred Sweet William with the carnation to create an entirely new plant (click), which you see on the right. This new plant gave rise to many of the thousands of new hybrids you see in flower catalogues today. Today, no one views these beautiful flowers as Frankenflowers or a violation of the natural order. But much the same argument is being used against biotechnology — even though it can be argued that biotechnology is a much more precise way of introducing beneficial traits than traditional cross-breeding. It’s really just a better and more refined tool for plant breeding.

4. 4 Scientists and government regulators asked the same questions two decades ago that others are asking today. One thing’s for certain: there’s a lot of misinformation about plant biotechnology. Critics have seized on the issue and have questioned whether scientists, biotech companies and farmers moved too fast in adopting this new technology. I don’t think that’s true — because scientists and government regulators asked many of the same questions two decades ago that others are asking today. Most important, they asked whether biotech food is safe to eat. . . and whether it’s safe for the environment. The answer to both questions is YES. The challenge is to help people learn about this technology that has just found its way into the commercial marketplace in the past six years. That’s a big job. One thing’s for certain: there’s a lot of misinformation about plant biotechnology. Critics have seized on the issue and have questioned whether scientists, biotech companies and farmers moved too fast in adopting this new technology. I don’t think that’s true — because scientists and government regulators asked many of the same questions two decades ago that others are asking today. Most important, they asked whether biotech food is safe to eat. . . and whether it’s safe for the environment. The answer to both questions is YES. The challenge is to help people learn about this technology that has just found its way into the commercial marketplace in the past six years. That’s a big job.

5. 5 Mission: To improve understanding and acceptance of biotechnology by collecting balanced, credible information and communicating this message through a variety of media. And that’s where the Council for Biotechnology Information comes in. Its mission is to improve understanding and acceptance of biotechnology by collecting balanced, credible and science-based information and communicating this message through a variety of channels. That’s why I’m here. And that’s where the Council for Biotechnology Information comes in. Its mission is to improve understanding and acceptance of biotechnology by collecting balanced, credible and science-based information and communicating this message through a variety of channels. That’s why I’m here.

6. Consistently, support for biotechnology is higher among people who have heard more about it. The council does a lot of consumer-attitudes and perception research to learn what people know about biotechnology and what they want to learn more about. Consistently, that research shows that support for biotechnology is higher among people who have heard more about it — as you can see from this graph. The council does a lot of consumer-attitudes and perception research to learn what people know about biotechnology and what they want to learn more about. Consistently, that research shows that support for biotechnology is higher among people who have heard more about it — as you can see from this graph.

7. Awareness of plant biotechnology benefits continues to rise. The good news is that awareness of the benefits of plant biotechnology continues to rise. There’s growing support for using biotechnology to develop new medicines and health care techniques. . . And for using biotechnology to grow more food, better food, and to grow food in a way that is better for the environment. The good news is that awareness of the benefits of plant biotechnology continues to rise. There’s growing support for using biotechnology to develop new medicines and health care techniques. . . And for using biotechnology to grow more food, better food, and to grow food in a way that is better for the environment.

8. One in four doubt the safety of enhanced foods; another one in four are uncertain. Despite the growing awareness of plant biotechnology’s benefits, a consistent one in four people continue to remain unsure about the safety of foods enhanced through biotech, and another one in four believe it is less safe than conventional food. The CBI survey asked, “Do you believe that crops and food products developed with biotechnology are safer, about as safe, or less safe than other crops and foods?” Over time, the numbers have remained fairly constant. (Although the StarLink and Monarch butterfly stories in August and September of 2000 did cause a few more people to consider plant biotechnology less safe, the survey numbers returned to about where they were before these events.) Despite the growing awareness of plant biotechnology’s benefits, a consistent one in four people continue to remain unsure about the safety of foods enhanced through biotech, and another one in four believe it is less safe than conventional food. The CBI survey asked, “Do you believe that crops and food products developed with biotechnology are safer, about as safe, or less safe than other crops and foods?” Over time, the numbers have remained fairly constant. (Although the StarLink and Monarch butterfly stories in August and September of 2000 did cause a few more people to consider plant biotechnology less safe, the survey numbers returned to about where they were before these events.)

9. 9 What Is Plant Biotechnology Today, I want to answer these questions and others by focusing my remarks in three broad areas: First, I want to explain what plant biotechnology is. (Click) Second, I want to describe the benefits of plant biotechnology and how it can improve lives now and in the future: how it is producing more food, better food, and helping farmers be even better stewards of their land and soil. (Click) And third, I want to talk briefly about the regulatory framework for biotechnology. Let me begin with an explanation of plant biotechnology.Today, I want to answer these questions and others by focusing my remarks in three broad areas: First, I want to explain what plant biotechnology is. (Click) Second, I want to describe the benefits of plant biotechnology and how it can improve lives now and in the future: how it is producing more food, better food, and helping farmers be even better stewards of their land and soil. (Click) And third, I want to talk briefly about the regulatory framework for biotechnology. Let me begin with an explanation of plant biotechnology.

10. Plant Biotechnology A precise process to improve plants. In its simplest form, plant biotechnology describes a precise process in which scientific techniques are used to develop useful and beneficial plants. Every living thing, from the most simple to the most sophisticated, carries a genetic code, or “blueprint,” that determines precisely what traits it will have. Biotechnology allows scientists to identify beneficial traits — qualities like added nutrition, increased flavor or greater ability to fight pests or diseases — and incorporate them into various organisms. Researchers are able to isolate a particular gene (or trait) in one organism and transfer it to another organism, where this same gene is replicated. I think it’s best to look at biotechnology along a continuum — as the next step in the refinement of genetic enhancement techniques that began thousands of years ago with the domestication of wild plants for food production. In its simplest form, plant biotechnology describes a precise process in which scientific techniques are used to develop useful and beneficial plants. Every living thing, from the most simple to the most sophisticated, carries a genetic code, or “blueprint,” that determines precisely what traits it will have. Biotechnology allows scientists to identify beneficial traits — qualities like added nutrition, increased flavor or greater ability to fight pests or diseases — and incorporate them into various organisms. Researchers are able to isolate a particular gene (or trait) in one organism and transfer it to another organism, where this same gene is replicated. I think it’s best to look at biotechnology along a continuum — as the next step in the refinement of genetic enhancement techniques that began thousands of years ago with the domestication of wild plants for food production.

11. 11 Selective breeding led to higher-yielding varieties. Early farmers — like those in Egypt and the Americas — saved seeds from plants that produced the best crops and planted them the next year to grow even better crops. Over many years, this selective breeding led to higher-yielding varieties. This was an early example of using genetics to improve crop production — even though the science behind it wasn’t understood at all. But selective breeding had its limits. As the available genetic diversity within a particular species is used up, the potential for improvement decreases. Early farmers — like those in Egypt and the Americas — saved seeds from plants that produced the best crops and planted them the next year to grow even better crops. Over many years, this selective breeding led to higher-yielding varieties. This was an early example of using genetics to improve crop production — even though the science behind it wasn’t understood at all. But selective breeding had its limits. As the available genetic diversity within a particular species is used up, the potential for improvement decreases.

12. 12 Teosinte That led to the next development in the evolution of genetic enhancement: cross-breeding, where closely related varieties are bred to produce better offspring. This raised plant breeding to a whole new level because there was even more genetic diversity from which to draw more beneficial traits. The combination of both selective breeding and cross-breeding has led to the development of the corn we use in so many ways today. You can see from the photo here that today’s corn has little in common with teosinte, a close relative of corn, found in Mexico and Central America. (Food Technology, Vol. 54, No. 8, August 2000.)That led to the next development in the evolution of genetic enhancement: cross-breeding, where closely related varieties are bred to produce better offspring. This raised plant breeding to a whole new level because there was even more genetic diversity from which to draw more beneficial traits. The combination of both selective breeding and cross-breeding has led to the development of the corn we use in so many ways today. You can see from the photo here that today’s corn has little in common with teosinte, a close relative of corn, found in Mexico and Central America. (Food Technology, Vol. 54, No. 8, August 2000.)

13. 13 Gregor Johann Mendel The process of systematic cross-breeding really took off in the mid-1800s with Gregor Johann Mendel, who’s known as the father of modern genetics. He conducted his work in a monastery in Europe. His experiments were really the first rigorous inquiry into, as he said, “just what it is that gives the colors and the shapes to the different trees and fruits and flowers.” He concluded that there were certain unseen particles that pass traits from one generation to the next. The process of systematic cross-breeding really took off in the mid-1800s with Gregor Johann Mendel, who’s known as the father of modern genetics. He conducted his work in a monastery in Europe. His experiments were really the first rigorous inquiry into, as he said, “just what it is that gives the colors and the shapes to the different trees and fruits and flowers.” He concluded that there were certain unseen particles that pass traits from one generation to the next.

14. He discovered that when two different types of plants are crossed, all of the offspring in the next generation will be alike. He called this the Law of Uniformity. (Click) For example, crossing a red flower with a green flower produces all (click) gray flowers. But when these uniform offspring are crossed, the next generation of plants will not be uniform — they will segregate into red, green and gray according to a defined numerical ratio. (Click) He called this the Law of Segregation. (Click) Out of every eight offspring from the gray flowers, for example, (click) two will be red, two will be green and four will be gray — as you can see from this diagram. Crossing the red flowers of this generation will produce only red flowers. Crossing green flowers, in turn, creates more green flowers. Cross-breeding is a time-consuming and imperfect technique. For some species, such as trees, it is a very long process. He discovered that when two different types of plants are crossed, all of the offspring in the next generation will be alike. He called this the Law of Uniformity. (Click) For example, crossing a red flower with a green flower produces all (click) gray flowers. But when these uniform offspring are crossed, the next generation of plants will not be uniform — they will segregate into red, green and gray according to a defined numerical ratio. (Click) He called this the Law of Segregation. (Click) Out of every eight offspring from the gray flowers, for example, (click) two will be red, two will be green and four will be gray — as you can see from this diagram. Crossing the red flowers of this generation will produce only red flowers. Crossing green flowers, in turn, creates more green flowers. Cross-breeding is a time-consuming and imperfect technique. For some species, such as trees, it is a very long process.

15. Plant biotechnology complements cross-breeding and is much more precise. It’s like using a scalpel instead of a bush knife to perform surgery. As you can see from this diagram, traditional plant breeding transfers many genes to create a new plant variety — some of them desired, some not. (Click) Plant biotechnology allows scientists to select just the gene they want that has the desired traits — and exclude others that are not wanted. In many ways, the process is like adding a pinch of salt or oregano to a recipe or a dash of new color to a painting to get a special effect. Plant biotechnology complements cross-breeding and is much more precise. It’s like using a scalpel instead of a bush knife to perform surgery. As you can see from this diagram, traditional plant breeding transfers many genes to create a new plant variety — some of them desired, some not. (Click) Plant biotechnology allows scientists to select just the gene they want that has the desired traits — and exclude others that are not wanted. In many ways, the process is like adding a pinch of salt or oregano to a recipe or a dash of new color to a painting to get a special effect.

16. 16 “No conceptual distinction exists between genetic modification of plants and microorganisms by classical methods or by molecular techniques that modify DNA and transfer genes.” — National Research Council As I said before, it’s best to look at biotechnology along a continuum — as the next step in the refinement of genetic-enhancement techniques that began with selective breeding and cross-breeding. That’s the position the National Research Council has taken. In a 1989 report, it said “no conceptual distinction exists between genetic modification of plants and microorganisms by classical methods or by molecular techniques that modify DNA and transfer genes. . .” This process is addressing some of the greatest challenges we face at the dawn of this new century. So that, in a nutshell, is what plant biotechnology is all about. It’s a better technique for improving the genetic makeup of a plant — a refinement of a practice that has been carried on for thousands of years. (Food Technology, Vol. 54, No. 8, August 2000)As I said before, it’s best to look at biotechnology along a continuum — as the next step in the refinement of genetic-enhancement techniques that began with selective breeding and cross-breeding. That’s the position the National Research Council has taken. In a 1989 report, it said “no conceptual distinction exists between genetic modification of plants and microorganisms by classical methods or by molecular techniques that modify DNA and transfer genes. . .” This process is addressing some of the greatest challenges we face at the dawn of this new century. So that, in a nutshell, is what plant biotechnology is all about. It’s a better technique for improving the genetic makeup of a plant — a refinement of a practice that has been carried on for thousands of years. (Food Technology, Vol. 54, No. 8, August 2000)

17. Benefits of Plant Biotechnology More food Better food Better for the environment That leads me to the second thing I want to talk about today — the benefits of plant biotechnology and how it is improving lives now and in the future. Let’s begin with producing more food. That leads me to the second thing I want to talk about today — the benefits of plant biotechnology and how it is improving lives now and in the future. Let’s begin with producing more food.

18. 18 More Food Producing more food more efficiently. Simply put, biotechnology holds great promise for increasing yields in the 21st century — just as hybrid seeds drove dramatic yield increases in the 20th century. Farmers recognize that enhanced seeds can improve their productivity — that’s why they’ve embraced this technology so quickly. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, biotech acreage in corn, cotton and soybeans in the United States increased from less than 4 million acres in 1996 to more than 82 million acres in 2001. These biotech crops now account for 22 percent of the total acreage of field crops in the United States. Improved productivity is more important than you might think. Simply put, biotechnology holds great promise for increasing yields in the 21st century — just as hybrid seeds drove dramatic yield increases in the 20th century. Farmers recognize that enhanced seeds can improve their productivity — that’s why they’ve embraced this technology so quickly. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, biotech acreage in corn, cotton and soybeans in the United States increased from less than 4 million acres in 1996 to more than 82 million acres in 2001. These biotech crops now account for 22 percent of the total acreage of field crops in the United States. Improved productivity is more important than you might think.

19. Projected world population That’s because on a global scale, the need for more and better food is growing every day. Currently, about 73 million more people are being added to the world population every year. That’s a little bigger than Egypt (69 million) and a little smaller than Vietnam (79 million). By 2020, there will be another 1.4 billion people on earth, or nearly 8 billion mouths to feed. Most of this population growth will occur in cities in the developing world where chronic malnutrition already hurts the health of some 840 million people. These people lack enough calories and basic nutrients to lead fully productive lives. On a happier note, income growth in many regions of the world will increase demand for better diets. The upshot, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute, is that the world’s farmers will need to produce 40 percent more grain by 2020 to meet global demand for more and better food. So we face two choices: bring more environmentally sensitive land under the plow or increase productivity on land that is already being farmed. I’ll talk a little more about the environmental benefits of plant biotechnology a bit later. That’s because on a global scale, the need for more and better food is growing every day. Currently, about 73 million more people are being added to the world population every year. That’s a little bigger than Egypt (69 million) and a little smaller than Vietnam (79 million). By 2020, there will be another 1.4 billion people on earth, or nearly 8 billion mouths to feed. Most of this population growth will occur in cities in the developing world where chronic malnutrition already hurts the health of some 840 million people. These people lack enough calories and basic nutrients to lead fully productive lives. On a happier note, income growth in many regions of the world will increase demand for better diets. The upshot, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute, is that the world’s farmers will need to produce 40 percent more grain by 2020 to meet global demand for more and better food. So we face two choices: bring more environmentally sensitive land under the plow or increase productivity on land that is already being farmed. I’ll talk a little more about the environmental benefits of plant biotechnology a bit later.

20. Benefits of Plant Biotechnology More food Better food Better for the environment But before I do, I want to talk about the second major benefit of plant biotechnology — producing better and healthier food. But before I do, I want to talk about the second major benefit of plant biotechnology — producing better and healthier food.

21. 21 Synthetic insulin the very first biotech product It’s important to keep in mind the very first commercial biotechnology product ever produced — synthetic insulin. This example is of a medical treatment developed through biotechnology. But researchers are using the same technique to create healthier food. In the 1970s, a common bacteria was enhanced by adding the gene that codes for the protein insulin, which is needed to control sugar levels in the body. This revolutionary procedure allowed more insulin to be produced at a cheaper price, which benefited thousands who suffer from diabetes. Although insulin from animals had been used up to that point, it was very expensive, and supplies were running low as the global population increased. So this development came at a critical time and created immediate benefits. It’s important to keep in mind the very first commercial biotechnology product ever produced — synthetic insulin. This example is of a medical treatment developed through biotechnology. But researchers are using the same technique to create healthier food. In the 1970s, a common bacteria was enhanced by adding the gene that codes for the protein insulin, which is needed to control sugar levels in the body. This revolutionary procedure allowed more insulin to be produced at a cheaper price, which benefited thousands who suffer from diabetes. Although insulin from animals had been used up to that point, it was very expensive, and supplies were running low as the global population increased. So this development came at a critical time and created immediate benefits.

22. 22 “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” — Hippocrates I mention this example from the pharmaceutical area because, increasingly, the distinction between food and medicine is becoming blurred. As Hippocrates, the Greek physician who’s known as the father of modern medicine, said in 400 B.C. , “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” I mention this example from the pharmaceutical area because, increasingly, the distinction between food and medicine is becoming blurred. As Hippocrates, the Greek physician who’s known as the father of modern medicine, said in 400 B.C. , “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”

23. 23 Rice enriched with vitamin A Researchers, for example, are also using genetics to build into rice forms of vitamin A and iron. In Southeast Asia alone, it’s estimated that a quarter of a million children go blind because of this nutritional deficiency. Worldwide, it’s estimated that 124 million children are deficient in vitamin A. One variety of this “golden rice” could be available in Asia within five years. Researchers, for example, are also using genetics to build into rice forms of vitamin A and iron. In Southeast Asia alone, it’s estimated that a quarter of a million children go blind because of this nutritional deficiency. Worldwide, it’s estimated that 124 million children are deficient in vitamin A. One variety of this “golden rice” could be available in Asia within five years.

24. 24 High-protein corn in Africa, Asia and Latin America In Africa, Asia and Latin America, new varieties of high-protein corn are being developed that could help alleviate chronic protein deficiencies that afflict children in many parts of the world. That’s why plant biotechnology’s potential to improve lives can be especially beneficial to people in the developing world. Unfortunately, opponents of biotechnology are waging a misguided campaign that could keep those benefits out of these areas. Fortunately, more leaders in Africa, Asia and elsewhere are speaking out on this issue. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, new varieties of high-protein corn are being developed that could help alleviate chronic protein deficiencies that afflict children in many parts of the world. That’s why plant biotechnology’s potential to improve lives can be especially beneficial to people in the developing world. Unfortunately, opponents of biotechnology are waging a misguided campaign that could keep those benefits out of these areas. Fortunately, more leaders in Africa, Asia and elsewhere are speaking out on this issue.

25. 25 “Agricultural biotechnology holds great promise for Africa. We don’t want to be denied this technology because of a misguided notion that we don’t understand the dangers of the future consequences.” — Hassan Adamu,  Nigerian Minister of  Agriculture and Rural Development As Nigeria’s minister of agriculture put it: “Agricultural biotechnology . . . holds great promise for Africa. . . . We don’t want to be denied this technology because of a misguided notion that we don’t understand the dangers of the future consequences.” (Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hassan Adamu, Human Development Report 2001, p. 69) Contrary to what you might hear, many efforts are underway to get the benefits of plant biotechnology to areas where its benefits are needed most. As Nigeria’s minister of agriculture put it: “Agricultural biotechnology . . . holds great promise for Africa. . . . We don’t want to be denied this technology because of a misguided notion that we don’t understand the dangers of the future consequences.” (Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hassan Adamu, Human Development Report 2001, p. 69) Contrary to what you might hear, many efforts are underway to get the benefits of plant biotechnology to areas where its benefits are needed most.

26. 26 Papaya biotechnology network One example is the recently formed “papaya biotechnology network,” which is made up of scientists, regulators, businesspeople, administrators and farmers from five Southeast Asian countries. The network is developing traits that make the papaya resistant to papaya ringspot virus. Papaya is an important staple crop in Southeast Asia and is grown primarily by small subsistence farmers. Private sector technology support is being provided by two biotechnology companies. A similar project is underway in Vietnam with the sweet potato, which is an important root crop for small farmers and a food staple for consumers. Researchers are looking for ways to incorporate insect resistance — as has been done with corn — into sweet potatoes to ward off the root weevil. Of course, there will also be benefits for people in the developed world. One example is the recently formed “papaya biotechnology network,” which is made up of scientists, regulators, businesspeople, administrators and farmers from five Southeast Asian countries. The network is developing traits that make the papaya resistant to papaya ringspot virus. Papaya is an important staple crop in Southeast Asia and is grown primarily by small subsistence farmers. Private sector technology support is being provided by two biotechnology companies. A similar project is underway in Vietnam with the sweet potato, which is an important root crop for small farmers and a food staple for consumers. Researchers are looking for ways to incorporate insect resistance — as has been done with corn — into sweet potatoes to ward off the root weevil. Of course, there will also be benefits for people in the developed world.

27. 27 Better Food Genetically improved oilseeds for healthier cooking oil. Improved soybean and canola oilseeds are being developed to create cooking oils with reduced levels of saturated fats — holding promise to reduce the 500,000 deaths from heart disease every year in the United States. Researchers are also focusing on developing plant varieties with increased vitamin E levels and reduced trans-fatty acids, which are suspected of raising cholesterol levels and contributing to heart disease. Potentially, enriched oils could contain 30 milligrams of vitamin E per serving — 10 times the normal level. Improved soybean and canola oilseeds are being developed to create cooking oils with reduced levels of saturated fats — holding promise to reduce the 500,000 deaths from heart disease every year in the United States. Researchers are also focusing on developing plant varieties with increased vitamin E levels and reduced trans-fatty acids, which are suspected of raising cholesterol levels and contributing to heart disease. Potentially, enriched oils could contain 30 milligrams of vitamin E per serving — 10 times the normal level.

28. 28 Healthier vegetables Researchers are also developing a type of lettuce that is fortified with resveratrol, an antioxidant. That’s the compound found in red grapes — and wine — that lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol levels. Studies have also shown resveratrol to be an effective anticancer agent. Encouraged by their success in adding resveratrol to lettuce, scientists hope to use biotechnology to add the compound to other fruits and vegetables as well, including spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, watermelons and strawberries. So just around the corner there are enormous health benefits from better food made possible by plant biotechnology. Researchers are also developing a type of lettuce that is fortified with resveratrol, an antioxidant. That’s the compound found in red grapes — and wine — that lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol levels. Studies have also shown resveratrol to be an effective anticancer agent. Encouraged by their success in adding resveratrol to lettuce, scientists hope to use biotechnology to add the compound to other fruits and vegetables as well, including spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, watermelons and strawberries. So just around the corner there are enormous health benefits from better food made possible by plant biotechnology.

29. Benefits of Plant Biotechnology More food Better food Better for the environment The third major benefit of plant biotechnology is how it is actually improving the environment. The third major benefit of plant biotechnology is how it is actually improving the environment.

30. 30 Bring environmentally sensitive land under the plow, or increase productivity on existing land? Earlier I mentioned that the world’s farmers will need to produce 40 percent more grain by 2020 to meet global demand for more and better food. . . And how that really leaves us with two choices: Bring more environmentally sensitive land — like the Serengeti Plains in Africa — under the plow, or increase productivity on land that is already being farmed. I think the choice is an easy one. Biotechnology holds great promise in increasing productivity on existing land — especially marginal land that is compromised by either poor soils or lack of moisture. But there are also other ways that plant biotechnology actually helps. Earlier I mentioned that the world’s farmers will need to produce 40 percent more grain by 2020 to meet global demand for more and better food. . . And how that really leaves us with two choices: Bring more environmentally sensitive land — like the Serengeti Plains in Africa — under the plow, or increase productivity on land that is already being farmed. I think the choice is an easy one. Biotechnology holds great promise in increasing productivity on existing land — especially marginal land that is compromised by either poor soils or lack of moisture. But there are also other ways that plant biotechnology actually helps.

31. 31 Plant biotechnology means less spraying Plant biotechnology means less spraying. Now, crop chemicals that help control weeds, insects and disease are critically important tools in helping farmers feed the world. But biotechnology offers farmers yet another tool — and this one may be especially helpful to farmers in poor parts of the world because it is contained in a seed. These types of seeds — like BT corn — have been designed to ward off pests by producing their own insecticide from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, bacillus thuringiensis. In areas where access to machinery, irrigation and other modern farming practices are limited, plant biotechnology may be just the ticket to improved productivity. Plant biotechnology means less spraying. Now, crop chemicals that help control weeds, insects and disease are critically important tools in helping farmers feed the world. But biotechnology offers farmers yet another tool — and this one may be especially helpful to farmers in poor parts of the world because it is contained in a seed. These types of seeds — like BT corn — have been designed to ward off pests by producing their own insecticide from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, bacillus thuringiensis. In areas where access to machinery, irrigation and other modern farming practices are limited, plant biotechnology may be just the ticket to improved productivity.

32. 32 Plant biotechnology means more conservation tillage Another environmental benefit is aimed at the plow. Because crops like enhanced soybeans are so effective in controlling weeds, that has meant less plowing — a traditional method of weed control. And less plowing has meant less topsoil runoff into streams, rivers and lakes. The shift to conservation tillage was driven by the advent of effective herbicides and has been augmented by the rapid adoption of biotech crops. This has provided more habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. These are environmental benefits that are happening right now in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, the United States and several other countries where farmers have been free to plant biotech crops. There are even more environmental improvements in the pipeline. Another environmental benefit is aimed at the plow. Because crops like enhanced soybeans are so effective in controlling weeds, that has meant less plowing — a traditional method of weed control. And less plowing has meant less topsoil runoff into streams, rivers and lakes. The shift to conservation tillage was driven by the advent of effective herbicides and has been augmented by the rapid adoption of biotech crops. This has provided more habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. These are environmental benefits that are happening right now in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, the United States and several other countries where farmers have been free to plant biotech crops. There are even more environmental improvements in the pipeline.

33. 33 Better for the Environment Mangrove genes transferred to annual crops to promote tolerance to saline soils. In India, scientists have transferred genes from mangroves to annual crops so they can better tolerate saline soils. In California, researchers have developed a genetically enhanced tomato that can thrive in salty water, allowing it to be farmed in what would otherwise be marginal cropland. The researchers used a gene from a relative of the cabbage plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) to produce the enhanced tomato. The gene allows the plant to soak up the salt in its leaves — away from the tomato itself. These developments could go a long way toward addressing one of the more serious problems in agriculture: saline soils caused by irrigation. Much of this land is concentrated in dry sections of India, China, Pakistan and the western United States. (Human Development Report 2001, p. 75 and July 31, 2001, Washington Post story, “A New Strain of Tomatoes, and Don’t Hold the Salt” by Marc Kaufman) In India, scientists have transferred genes from mangroves to annual crops so they can better tolerate saline soils. In California, researchers have developed a genetically enhanced tomato that can thrive in salty water, allowing it to be farmed in what would otherwise be marginal cropland. The researchers used a gene from a relative of the cabbage plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) to produce the enhanced tomato. The gene allows the plant to soak up the salt in its leaves — away from the tomato itself. These developments could go a long way toward addressing one of the more serious problems in agriculture: saline soils caused by irrigation. Much of this land is concentrated in dry sections of India, China, Pakistan and the western United States. (Human Development Report 2001, p. 75 and July 31, 2001, Washington Post story, “A New Strain of Tomatoes, and Don’t Hold the Salt” by Marc Kaufman)

34. 34 “A powerful tool for fostering ecofarming as well as for enhancing the productivity of rainfed and saline soils.” — M.S. Swaminatham 1987 World Food Prize recipient M.S. Swaminatham, who won the 1987 World Food Prize, called biotechnology and the new genetics “a powerful tool for fostering ecofarming as well as for enhancing the productivity of rainfed and saline soils.” Those are some very powerful testaments to the environmental benefits of plant biotechnology. M.S. Swaminatham, who won the 1987 World Food Prize, called biotechnology and the new genetics “a powerful tool for fostering ecofarming as well as for enhancing the productivity of rainfed and saline soils.” Those are some very powerful testaments to the environmental benefits of plant biotechnology.

35. Government Regulation Finally, let me just say a few things about food safety and government regulation of biotechnology. As I mentioned at the outset, government scientists and other experts asked the same questions 20 years ago that some people are still asking today. And the answer is YES: The food is safe to eat, and it is safe for the environment. In the seven years (1994) since the first genetically enhanced product came on the market — the Flavr Savr tomato — there has not been one documented case of an illness caused by biotech food. One of the top experts on allergies in the world, Professor Stephen Taylor of the University of Nebraska, says current foods made with biotech ingredients pose extremely low risks of being allergenic. Better yet, Taylor says plant biotechnology is a tool for removing allergens from foods to give people with allergies a wider choice of safe foods to eat. Finally, let me just say a few things about food safety and government regulation of biotechnology. As I mentioned at the outset, government scientists and other experts asked the same questions 20 years ago that some people are still asking today. And the answer is YES: The food is safe to eat, and it is safe for the environment. In the seven years (1994) since the first genetically enhanced product came on the market — the Flavr Savr tomato — there has not been one documented case of an illness caused by biotech food. One of the top experts on allergies in the world, Professor Stephen Taylor of the University of Nebraska, says current foods made with biotech ingredients pose extremely low risks of being allergenic. Better yet, Taylor says plant biotechnology is a tool for removing allergens from foods to give people with allergies a wider choice of safe foods to eat.

36. The fact is, enhanced foods have undergone years of rigorous scientific, laboratory and in-field reviews to make sure they are safe for humans, animals and the environment. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, and the Office of Science, Technology and Policy were all involved in establishing necessary regulatory oversight. Currently, the USDA, EPA and FDA provide coordinated and science-based regulation. Before biotech crops are brought to market, 10 steps must be taken to obtain federal approval. And there are multiple opportunities for members of the public to offer their comments. The fact is, enhanced foods have undergone years of rigorous scientific, laboratory and in-field reviews to make sure they are safe for humans, animals and the environment. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, and the Office of Science, Technology and Policy were all involved in establishing necessary regulatory oversight. Currently, the USDA, EPA and FDA provide coordinated and science-based regulation. Before biotech crops are brought to market, 10 steps must be taken to obtain federal approval. And there are multiple opportunities for members of the public to offer their comments.

37. 37 World Health Organization Specifically, concerning food safety, every biotech food crop on the market has been evaluated by the FDA. The FDA has determined that every biotech crop on the market today is “substantially equivalent” and, therefore, as safe as its traditional counterpart. Other health, medical and scientific experts around the world, including the American Dietetic Association, the (click) American Medical Association, the (click) Institute of Food Technologists and the (click) World Health Organization, have declared biotech foods safe. In addition, more than a thousand scientists, including two Nobel Prize winners, have signed a declaration endorsing food biotechnology as a safe, environmentally friendly tool to help feed the developing world. So if the science is good . . . and if enhanced foods are safe for people and the environment, why all the fuss? Specifically, concerning food safety, every biotech food crop on the market has been evaluated by the FDA. The FDA has determined that every biotech crop on the market today is “substantially equivalent” and, therefore, as safe as its traditional counterpart. Other health, medical and scientific experts around the world, including the American Dietetic Association, the (click) American Medical Association, the (click) Institute of Food Technologists and the (click) World Health Organization, have declared biotech foods safe. In addition, more than a thousand scientists, including two Nobel Prize winners, have signed a declaration endorsing food biotechnology as a safe, environmentally friendly tool to help feed the developing world. So if the science is good . . . and if enhanced foods are safe for people and the environment, why all the fuss?

38. 38 Government regulation Less trust in food regulatory systems in Europe. I think there are a couple of answers. First are the cultural differences. A lot of the criticism has come from Europe, which has been beset by a number of food crises in recent years — everything from mad cow disease to foot-and-mouth disease. In Europe, there’s less trust in the food regulatory system than there is here in the United States. And biotech opponents like Greenpeace — which have little credibility in the United States but more so in Europe — have made the most of this fear for their own purposes. I think there are a couple of answers. First are the cultural differences. A lot of the criticism has come from Europe, which has been beset by a number of food crises in recent years — everything from mad cow disease to foot-and-mouth disease. In Europe, there’s less trust in the food regulatory system than there is here in the United States. And biotech opponents like Greenpeace — which have little credibility in the United States but more so in Europe — have made the most of this fear for their own purposes.

39. 39 Benefits of plant biotechnology have been agronomic Second, so far all of the benefits from plant biotechnology have been agronomic — good for farmers, but not so apparent to consumers. But once we can begin eating lower-cholesterol french fries thanks to biotechnology — or lettuce that fights cancer — more people will understand that plant biotechnology has major benefits for their lives and their families. Second, so far all of the benefits from plant biotechnology have been agronomic — good for farmers, but not so apparent to consumers. But once we can begin eating lower-cholesterol french fries thanks to biotechnology — or lettuce that fights cancer — more people will understand that plant biotechnology has major benefits for their lives and their families.

40. 40 And third is the worry many people feel about tinkering with Mother Nature. That’s pretty easy to understand — even though people have been doing just that for centuries. Thomas Fairchild, the forgotten father of the flower garden I spoke of earlier, was beset by critics who questioned whether his experiments denied the biblical account of the Creation, which credited God as the creator of all species. Fairchild felt so uneasy about the creation of Europe’s first hybrid that he left money in his will to assuage his guilt. The money was to pay for sermons to be given in a London church every year: The sermons stressed the supreme role of an all-knowing God in the creation of species. Yet the controversy over hybrids continued. And third is the worry many people feel about tinkering with Mother Nature. That’s pretty easy to understand — even though people have been doing just that for centuries. Thomas Fairchild, the forgotten father of the flower garden I spoke of earlier, was beset by critics who questioned whether his experiments denied the biblical account of the Creation, which credited God as the creator of all species. Fairchild felt so uneasy about the creation of Europe’s first hybrid that he left money in his will to assuage his guilt. The money was to pay for sermons to be given in a London church every year: The sermons stressed the supreme role of an all-knowing God in the creation of species. Yet the controversy over hybrids continued.

41. 41 “We have recently advanced our knowledge of genetics to a point where we can manipulate life in a way never intended by nature. We must proceed with the utmost caution in the application of this new found knowledge.” This may sound like a recent note of caution. In fact, it was made by genetic hybrid researcher Luther Burbank back in 1906, in response to rapid progress in plant breeding. Burbank was a pioneer in the development of several hybrid plants, including plums, prunes, berries and peaches. The truth is that hybridization has been occurring for centuries — sometimes by accident and sometimes naturally, thanks to the wind and the bees. This may sound like a recent note of caution. In fact, it was made by genetic hybrid researcher Luther Burbank back in 1906, in response to rapid progress in plant breeding. Burbank was a pioneer in the development of several hybrid plants, including plums, prunes, berries and peaches. The truth is that hybridization has been occurring for centuries — sometimes by accident and sometimes naturally, thanks to the wind and the bees.

42. 42 In his landmark book, The Ascent of Man, author Jacob Bronowski wrote that “the turning point to the spread of agriculture in the Old World was almost certainly the occurrence of two hybrid forms of wheat.” (p. 67) By accident, a wild wheat crossed with a natural goat grass to create a fertile hybrid. This hybrid then crossed with another natural goat grass to form the wheat that bread is made from. The ears of this wheat were very tight — the seeds couldn’t be scattered by the wind as earlier varieties were. Humans had to propagate this new species. So humans depended on the wheat to make bread, and the wheat needed humans to scatter the seeds. This was the birth of agriculture — and some say civilization itself. It marked a giant step in the production of more food and better food. In his landmark book, The Ascent of Man, author Jacob Bronowski wrote that “the turning point to the spread of agriculture in the Old World was almost certainly the occurrence of two hybrid forms of wheat.” (p. 67) By accident, a wild wheat crossed with a natural goat grass to create a fertile hybrid. This hybrid then crossed with another natural goat grass to form the wheat that bread is made from. The ears of this wheat were very tight — the seeds couldn’t be scattered by the wind as earlier varieties were. Humans had to propagate this new species. So humans depended on the wheat to make bread, and the wheat needed humans to scatter the seeds. This was the birth of agriculture — and some say civilization itself. It marked a giant step in the production of more food and better food.

43. 43 Plant biotechnology represents the next leap forward Plant biotechnology represents the next leap forward. Not only to produce more food and better food, but also to grow food that is produced in a way that is good for the environment. Despite what you might hear, there continues to be a chorus of support for biotechnology from a wide cross-section of society, including scientists, consumers, agricultural producers, religious leaders — even cooks. Plant biotechnology represents the next leap forward. Not only to produce more food and better food, but also to grow food that is produced in a way that is good for the environment. Despite what you might hear, there continues to be a chorus of support for biotechnology from a wide cross-section of society, including scientists, consumers, agricultural producers, religious leaders — even cooks.

44. 44 “If they can give us a better tomato, I’m for it.” — Julia Child Julia Child, the master chef and cookbook author, says she’s fascinated by the benefits of plant biotechnology. “If they can give us a better tomato, I’m for it,” she says. Julia Child, the master chef and cookbook author, says she’s fascinated by the benefits of plant biotechnology. “If they can give us a better tomato, I’m for it,” she says.

45. 45 “Scientists around the world agree that the new ‘gene-splicing’ technology lowers even further the already minimal risk associated with introducing new plant varieties into the food supply.” — Professor Henry Miller, Stanford University Henry Miller of Stanford University said, “The scientific consensus holds that the risks associated with new biotechnology products are fundamentally the same as for other products.” In fact, he says, “Scientists around the world agree that the new ‘gene-splicing’ technology lowers even further the already minimal risk associated with introducing new plant varieties into the food supply.”Henry Miller of Stanford University said, “The scientific consensus holds that the risks associated with new biotechnology products are fundamentally the same as for other products.” In fact, he says, “Scientists around the world agree that the new ‘gene-splicing’ technology lowers even further the already minimal risk associated with introducing new plant varieties into the food supply.”

46. 46 “We are increasingly encouraged that the advantages of genetic engineering of plants and animals are greater than the risks . . . We cannot agree with the position of some groups that say it is against the will of God to meddle with the genetic make-up of plants and animals.” — Bishop Elio Sgreccia, vice president of the Pontifical Academy for Life The Catholic Church has weighed in on the issue as well. One of its bishops, referring to a Vatican report on ethics and genetic technology, said the advantages of genetic engineering outweigh the risks — and that the Church doesn’t agree with the assertion by some that it’s against God’s will to meddle with the genetic make-up of plants and animals.The Catholic Church has weighed in on the issue as well. One of its bishops, referring to a Vatican report on ethics and genetic technology, said the advantages of genetic engineering outweigh the risks — and that the Church doesn’t agree with the assertion by some that it’s against God’s will to meddle with the genetic make-up of plants and animals.

47. 47 “The more people know, the more they support biotechnology.” What the Council for Biotechnology Information has found is that the more people know about biotechnology, the more they support it. That’s one of the reasons I’m here today — to provide a more complete picture of what plant biotechnology is and what it can do for all of us. What the Council for Biotechnology Information has found is that the more people know about biotechnology, the more they support it. That’s one of the reasons I’m here today — to provide a more complete picture of what plant biotechnology is and what it can do for all of us.

48. For more information: Council for Biotechnology Information www.whybiotech.com U.S. Department of Agriculture www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/laws.html U.S. Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides U.S. Food and Drug Administration www.cfsan.fda.gov I’d encourage you to look at these web sites to get an even deeper understanding of some of the issues I touched on today. There’s a wealth of information on these sites: Council for Biotechnology Information www.whybiotech.com U.S. Department of Agriculture www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/laws.html U.S. Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ U.S. Food and Drug Administration www.cfsan.fda.gov/ I’d encourage you to look at these web sites to get an even deeper understanding of some of the issues I touched on today. There’s a wealth of information on these sites: Council for Biotechnology Information www.whybiotech.com U.S. Department of Agriculture www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/laws.html U.S. Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ U.S. Food and Drug Administration www.cfsan.fda.gov/

49. 49 Plant biotechnology is about: The bottom line is that plant biotechnology is about improving lives by: Producing more food to help feed a hungry world. (Click) Producing better food to give people more opportunities for better diets and better health. (Click) And by producing food in a way that is better for the environment. This is just the beginning. There will be many, many more improvements in the future. I hope you share my excitement about biotechnology’s benefits today and to come. Thank you very much. The bottom line is that plant biotechnology is about improving lives by: Producing more food to help feed a hungry world. (Click) Producing better food to give people more opportunities for better diets and better health. (Click) And by producing food in a way that is better for the environment. This is just the beginning. There will be many, many more improvements in the future. I hope you share my excitement about biotechnology’s benefits today and to come. Thank you very much.

50. 50 Council for Biotechnology Information 1225 Eye Street N.W., Suite 400 Washington, DC 20005-5958 Phone – (202)467-6565 www.whybiotech.com