Biotechnology
NAMA supports science that contributes to environmental stewardship, food safety, health and wellness. Biotechnology is one scientific tool that can improve food quality, safety and sanitation; increase production efficiency; advance sustainability; and help meet growing food demand. Read our Statement on Biotechnology.
A positive development was the June 2010 International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) release of the “Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology” survey. The survey found that consumers support the use of food biotechnology when they consider potential benefits for reducing the impact of food and food production on the environment, and for improving sustainability. Go to the IFIC website to view an Executive Summary of the survey.
As crops are developed through biotechnology with output traits for various uses, it is imperative that technology providers develop a plan for risk assessment, risk management, and risk responsibility. Risk assessment includes the development of adequate scientific data or documentation necessary to evaluate the possible impact on the functionality of existing food and feed processes and products should the crop get into the unintended grain stream.
Recently, an output trait – amylase corn – was approved by USDA for full commercial production. NAMA opposed the approval since very little scientific data had been made available to enable an accurate risk assessment, only limited details were known about the trait developer’s strategy for stewardship to keep the corn out of the food supply and the developer did not commit to take responsibility for any unintended commingling of the corn.
Currently there is no biotech wheat in production. With wheat yield trend lines flat and wheat plantings losing ground to other crops, NAMA believes steps must be taken now to clear the way for the commercialization of biotech wheat as soon as possible. The development and introduction of biotech wheat is a few years away. However, we are excited about the renewed interest and investment in wheat research by several technology firms. Their new research, both conventional and biotech, are the first substantial investments in wheat technology in years. Read our Position on Biotech Wheat .
Last updated February 28, 2011
- NAMA Statement on Biotechnology
- NAMA Position on Biotech Wheat
- Wheat Biotechnology Commercialization Statement of Canadian, American
and Australian Wheat Organizations - IFIC Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology - 2009 consumer survey findings
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