The story of genetic modification of wheat illustrates a typical scenario for GM crops.
A genetically altered wheat variety was announced in May 1992 by scientists at Monsanto and the University of Florida. Monsanto provided a foreign gene and scientists used a gene-gun to inject it into wheat cells. The gene produced an enzyme that would make the wheat resistant to herbicides such as Roundup.
However, consumer attitudes towards transgenic crops were not promising. The attitude was that research into the long-term safety of GM food crops was inadequate. Wheat exports were affected as consumers resisted the new variety.
As the supply chain for wheat was not clearly segregated to prevent intermingling of biotech and non-biotech wheat, Japan even went to the extent of saying that it would not accept wheat from any nation that grew biotech wheat.
In the US, the Center for Food Safety and the Family Farm Coalition filed a petition to suspend the development of biotech wheat.
In May 2004, Monsanto shelved its genetically engineered Roundup Ready spring wheat.
In November 2008, however, US wheat industry released a “Biotechnology Principles for Commercialization”. The principles seek to improve communication among biotech trait providers, growers and wheat users. Technology providers will get regulatory approvals in the US.
The principles also address market considerations to prevent disruption in exports. Educating consumers in countries such as Japan and European Union receives high priority. Customers will be kept aware of developments so that there will be no surprises in the market.
Read the full story at: Biotech Wheat
