23. “Stakeholders and members of the public need to be engaged in dialogue about new research and technology options. This dialogue should start with the problem that needs to be addressed, i.e. food security, rather than presupposing any particular solutions.”
24. GM in the 21st century agriculture ? David Baulcombe Cambridge University – Deepartment of Plant Sciences Growing concern – engaging the public with issues involving GM crops British Science Association May 26th 2011 Thursday, May 26, 2011 16
25. Reaping the benefits Science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture
26.
27. GM for disease resistance ? isolated genes can be used in genetic manipulation – transfer of plant genes between plants Thursday, May 26, 2011 20 Gene RB cloned from Solanum bulbocastanum confers broad spectrum resistance to potato late blight Junqi Song*†, James M. Bradeen†‡, S. Kristine Naess‡, John A. Raasch§, Susan M. Wielgus*‡, Geraldine T. Haberlach‡, Jia Liu¶, Hanhui Kuang, Sandra Austin-Phillips§, C. Robin Buell¶, John P. Helgeson‡**, and Jiming Jiang*,** www.pnas.orgcgidoi10.1073pnas.1533501100
28. GM vs conventional breeding for simple traits retaining the characteristics of original variety to generate several new varieties at once 26 May 2011 21
29. GM for drought tolerance, water use efficiency, heat stress tolerance, mineral nutrient uptake – complex traits? genome analysis to identify relevant genes GM to transfer into varieties for improvement 26 May 2011 22
30. GM vs conventional breeding for complex traits both depend on genome analysis for identification of genes GM allows retention of the characteristics of the original variety both are long term exercises but GM may be more straightforward 26 May 2011 23
35. crops are derived from wild plants that evolved to reproduce rather than to yield
36. robust complex systems do not operate flat out – they are buffered from perturbation by spare capacity and negative feedback systems photosynthesis www.helpsavetheclimate.com/chloroplast1.gif
37. scientific grand challenges in crop production enhanced photosynthesis perennial crops so that soil erosion prevented, better retention and uptake of water and nutrients from the soil, no need to rebuild root system each year nitrogen fixation vegetative seed production (ie seed produced without pollination) harnessing of hybrid vigour new species as crops Thursday, May 26, 2011 25
38. gene flow transgenes are no more likely to outcross than endogenous genes conferring a similar trait gene flow does occur gene flow with transgenic crops should be managed as it is with conventional crops food crops with genes that could confer damage to the environment, people or animals should not be released
46. PASSIONATE ABOUT SCIENCEthe challenge for policymakers Andrew Wadge Food Standards Agency British Science Association26 May 2011
47. How and why is GM different to other issues related to food safety and food production? Is it actually different to other issues? Evidence-based policies for a values-based public? GM food
48. Attitudes to innovation in food production 2009 review of published studies on attitudes to a range of new and emerging technologies: Our specific research projects have examined attitudes to:
49. Typical responses to innovation is it safe? what’s in it for me? what’s in it for “them”? will it harm the environment? what about the welfare of animals? is it natural? March 2009 “An Evidence Review of Public Attitudes to Emerging Food Technologies”
55. e.g. clinical trials & long-term feeding studies(British Social Attitudes Survey 2008-9)
56. Can science provide a better answer? risk assessment more rigour in risk assessment more openness more independence more consultation better explanation, to a wider audience general information about the technology
Headline –Not pro or anti“Keep DNA out of our tomatoes”
Not “yes or no”, instead, it’s “yes, but...” and “no, but...”Conditional
Major problems aheadNeed a substantial (50+%) increase in food production.Science-based technology offers part of the solution.Report calls for £2 billion Grand Challenge.Improve crops and their management.Sustainable intensification.Increase yields, decrease environmental side-effects, on the same land.Both improvements in crops and improvements in agro-ecological management.Make the best of all technologies, approaches and farming methods.
Major problems aheadNeed a substantial (50+%) increase in food production.Science-based technology offers part of the solution.Report calls for £2 billion Grand Challenge.Improve crops and their management.Sustainable intensification.Increase yields, decrease environmental side-effects, on the same land.Both improvements in crops and improvements in agro-ecological management.Make the best of all technologies, approaches and farming methods.
