Alexandria, Virginia
January 3, 2007
On December 8, 2006, the Board of
Directors of the American
Peanut Council recommended that the U.S. peanut industry
proceed with due diligence in the development of bioengineered
peanut varieties. The Peanut Foundation is the coordinating body
for the project.
Bioengineering may lead to peanuts that yield more oil for
biofuel production, are more drought resistant, grow more
efficiently and have built-in herbicide and pest resistance –
thus reducing the need for plant protection chemicals. Many of
these traits have already been engineered into major crops such
as soybeans, cotton, corn, and canola.
For
consumers, the research may lead to peanuts with enhanced flavor
and nutritional benefits, and possibly even nuts that are less
likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Currently,
bioengineered peanut varieties are not available commercially in
the United States, though laboratory research into this is
underway. It is estimated that it will be approximately five
years before commercial bioengineered varieties are available.
The U.S.
peanut industry is committed to providing consumers with a
healthy, safe food. Before any commercial production of
bioengineered peanut varieties begins, the U.S. peanut industry
will work closely with regulators and leading scientists to
ensure all regulatory requirements and appropriate safety and
environmental issues are addressed.
The
American Peanut Council (APC) is the trade association which
represents all segments of the U.S. peanut industry. Members
include peanut growers, peanut shellers, brokers, peanut product
manufacturers, and suppliers of goods and services to the
industry.
Headquartered in the metropolitan Washington, DC area, the APC
monitors developments in the domestic and international markets
and responds with a diverse array of domestic and international
marketing, trade servicing, research and issues management
programs. The APC maintains close working relationships with
government agencies, research institutions and related peanut
and agricultural trade associations. |
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