Australia, Canada and USA
May 15, 2009
Organizations representing the
wheat industry in the United States, Canada and Australia
announced Thursday they will work toward the goal of
synchronized commercialization of biotech traits in the wheat
crop.
Noting that “none of us hold a veto over the actions of others,”
they agreed it was in the best interest of all three producer
communities to introduce biotechnology in a coordinated fashion
to minimize market disruption.
The announcement came in a statement of joint principles on the
issue of biotechnology in wheat, which has been a sensitive
subject in some parts of the world, including major export
markets in Europe and Asia. There is currently no commercial
production of genetically modified wheat anywhere in the world.
The statement highlighted the importance of wheat to the food
supply and declining acres in all three countries due in part to
competition from crops that have the advantages of biotech
traits. The statement also noted the slow growth trend of wheat
yields compared to other crops and the lack of public and
private investment in wheat research worldwide.
Noting that biotechnology is not the only answer to a host of
agronomic questions facing wheat production, the groups agreed
it could be a “significant component” to tackling major issues
facing the industry.
U.S. signatories of the statement include NAWG, U.S. Wheat
Associates and the North American Millers’ Association. Canadian
signatories include Grain Growers of Canada, Western Canadian
Wheat Growers Association and Alberta Winter Wheat Producers
Commission. Australian signatories include Grains Council of
Australia, Grain Growers Association and Pastoralists and
Graziers Association of Western Australia (Inc.). |
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