The AgBiotech Controversy Alan McHughen, D.Phil., University of California Riverside, Ca USA [email protected] GM foods in US supermarkets? a. Yes b. NoDo ordinary tomatoes contain genes? a. Yes b. NoWould a tomato with a fish gene taste “fishy”? a. Yes b. NoIf you ate a GM fruit, might it alter your genes? a. Yes b. NoCan animal genes be inserted into a plant? a. Yes b. NoGive an example of GM food on the market a. There are none b. All foods are GM c. Tomato d. Wheat e. Squash f. PapayaSurvey results (% Correct) n Are GM foods in US supermarkets? n Do ordinary tomatoes contain genes? n Would a tomato with a fish gene taste “fishy”? n If you ate a GM fruit, might it alter your genes? n Can animal genes be inserted into a plant? n Give an example of GM food on the market n 48 % n 40 n 42 n 45 n 30 n 79% TomatoesConsequences of poor public understanding of science n Public opinion drives policy n Ignorance of science results in bad science policy n Topical political issues demand good science: n Stem cell research, Nanotechnology, Climate change, GM foods, Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides, Cell phones, Biodiversity, Fuel cell technology, Biological weapons, Evolution in schools, etc.Examples of poor scientific literacy n World: Cartagena Protocol 9/11/2003 n “…prevents or reduces the risks (of LMOs) to biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health .” n Philippines: effect of Bt cornfields n Zambia: GM food is ʻpoison” n Africa (south): cure for HIV/AIDS n Africa (north): GM foods and CIANeed for public science literacy n Public perceptions are often based on: n Invalid assumptions n Failure to apply critical thinking n Lack of context (e.g. chemicals).From a billboard in Nebraska, Courtesy of Syngenta Sprayed 32 times Sprayed once.Where do people get information? n “GE (rDNA) is unnatural because it breaks the natureʼs species barrier that precludes genes moving from one species to another” n “DNA is a complex protein” n “GMOs commercialized with 3 mos to 3 yrs field testing and no long-term safety and environment studies.”A long history of Biotechnology fearmongeringWhat species barrier? Approx 38% of wheat has rye DNA Friebe et al., Crop Science 39:1692-1696 (1999)CHAPTER 10A.15 PROHIBITION ON THE PROPAGATION, CULTIVATION, RAISING AND GROWING OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY n The people of Mendocino County wish to protect the Countyʼs agriculture, environment, economy, and private property from genetic pollution by genetically modified organisms. (Measure H-2004, passed March 2, 2004.) n Sec. 10A.15.030 Definitions. n (B) “DNA” or “deoxyribonucleic acid” means a complex protein…File to support registration of new crop variety- conventional breedingDocumented benefits of biotech crops n Farmers n Increased yields (especially in developing countries) n Decreased chemical input costs n Cleaner fields, less dockage n Less fuel used n Less tillage n Fewer adverse health effects (esp. China) n Increased income ($44Billion 1996- 2006).Why poorer farmers grow GM crops n Philippines (Bt corn) n ~30% increase in yield n South Africa (Bt cotton, Bt maize) n ~77% higher returns (smaller farm = higher benefit) n China (Bt cotton) n 8-10% Higher yields n Reduction in farm labor poisonings n India (Bt cotton) n ~70% drop in pesticide exposure n Shift in pesticide way from older, mote toxic ones n Increased yieldsRegular corn, no pesticideRegular corn plus pesticideGE Bt corn Hybrid ʻDʼDocumented benefits of biotech crops n Consumers n Safer food (less mycotoxin in maize, esp Africa/Asia) n Safer food (greater regulatory scrutiny) n Less pesticide n Environmental benefits.Documented benefits of biotech crops n Environment n Less pesticide burden n Safer pesticides n Improved soil from less tillage n Less fuel usage n Increased biodiversity n Sources: NCFAP, Plant Biotechnology, June 2002; November 2004 n Canola Council of Canada, An agronomic and economic assessment of transgenic canola, 2001 n Munkvold, G.P., Hellmich, R.L., and Rice, L.G. 1999. Comparison of fumonisin concentrations in kernels of transgenic Bt maize hybrids and non-transgenic hybrids. Plant Dis. 83:130-138.Biotech opportunities n Health and Nutrition n Removal of allergens n Removal of anti-nutritional substances n Removal of pathogens and contaminants n Mycotoxins in Bt corn n Signal for pathogens (with nanotech) n Enhance nutrient content n “Golden rice” with β-carotene n Indiaʼs “Protato” with increased protein.Biotech opportunities n Environment n Reduced pesticide load n More food/feed on less land n Better resource efficiency n Water use n Climate change adaptations.Biotech opportunities n Sustainable development n Sustainability in poorer countries n Philippines n South Africa n Diversification at home and abroad n Specialty crops n Improvement of local crops.Controversy remains… n Legitimate question: n Is it safe? n Safe for environment n Safe for food and feed.Crossin g of ex isting approved p lant varieties**includes all method s of breedi ngConventional pol len based crossing of closely related s peci esSelecti on from a heterogenous populatio nrDNA via Agrobacteri um, transfer of genes from closely relat ed speciesMutation breeding, chemical mutagenes is, i onizing radi at ionSomati c hybridi zationSomaclonal variation (SCV)rDNA biolistic, transfer of genes from closely related s peci esrDNA biolistic, transfer of genes from distantl y rel ated speci esConventional pol len based crossing of distantl y rel ated speci es or embryo rescueSelecti on from a homogenous populationrDNA via Agrobacteri um, transfer of genes from d istantly related speciesLikelihood of unintended ef fects (arbit rary scale)Less likely More likelyNAS/IOM findings n There are NO documented adverse health effects from eating GE foods. n