Global synchronization of biotech wheat

Organizations representing the wheat industry in the United States (U.S.), Canada and Australia announced on May 14 that 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, reported world-grain.com.

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.

The website said U.S. organizations signing onto the statement include the National Association of Wheat Growers, 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.).