will potato growers be allowed to benefit from new technology?
TRANSCRIPT
Will Potato Growers be Allowed to Benefit from New Technology?
Kevin M. Folta Ph.D.Professor and Chairman
Horticultural Sciences Department
kfolta.blogspot.com@kevinfolta
www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com
What my lab does. Use of light to increase fruit qualityUSDA $500,000
Past funding for work in photomorphogenesis, plant photoreceptors and light – USDA $500,000, NSF $1,065,000, NIH - $100,000; Light Emitting Computers $5000.
Past funding for work in strawberry genomics, strawberry flavors, disease resistance, USDA $470,000, NSF $1,550,000, FDACS - $550,000, FSREF - $310,000, UF Plant Molecular Breeding Program - $180,000, JR Simplot Co - $50,000; Driscoll’s $10,000; Roche/454 $10,000,
Graduate students supported by CAPES (Brazil); Malaysian Government, Chinese Scholarship Fund (2); Islamic Development Fund, Belgian Graduate Student Development Fund.
Internal grants: $145,000Dean for Research toward strawberry genome sequencing $40,000
My main job: Chairman of the Horticultural Sciences Department (Fruit and Veg crops)
56 Faculty over six locations throughout the state
-Breeding / new varieties-Crop physiology and production-Molecular genetics-Genomics-Organic and sustainable production-Weed science-Plant nutrition, water use-Space biology-Cell and developmental biology-Postharvest physiology
-Florida is the 9th largest potato producing state in the USA
Potato Genetic Improvement
As fast as glaciers
Complicated genetics, difficult to breed varieties that combine all traits of industry interest
Plus, strong expectations from end users
Potato was a pioneer crop in genetic engineering
Benefits to Producers
Significant decrease in insecticide use
Better yields due to less insect pressure
Less virus spread because of suppression of virus in field.
Potato was a pioneer crop in genetic engineering
Impacts on Environment
The environment in Idaho and the Columbia Basin benefitted because nearly 2 million pounds of insecticides and 30,000 spray plane sorties were not needed on the NewLeaf fields (Kaniewski & Thomas, 2004). According to Phipps and Park (2002) and Brookes and Barfoot (2005), GM potatoes could significantly reduce the 2.6 million pounds of pesticides applied annually to the US potato crop.
Where are we in 2016?
New genetic solutions are on the horizon for potato
The technologies could have good impacts for growers (and others)
There is a vocal minority steering the conversation
Producer participation is needed to push back
It is not just about facts, it is how you present them
A Few Central Core ConceptsHumans have always participated in plant and animal genetic improvement.
Genetic engineering (familiar “GMO”) is a precise extension of conventional plant breeding.
“The techniques used pose no more risk (actually less risk) than conventional breeding.” (NAS, AAAS, AMA, EFSA many others)
In 20 years of use in plants, there has not been one case of illness or death related to these products. No approved animals.
In the USA there are several traits used in only 10 (- +) commercial crops, and salmon
StructureStructure
• Review of how genetic engineering worksReview of how genetic engineering works• How it applies to potato, pending How it applies to potato, pending
situationssituations• Communications strategies- how do we Communications strategies- how do we
talk to others effectively?talk to others effectively?• Where to get involved in the conversationWhere to get involved in the conversation
What Plant Genetic Improvement Is
More varieties
Grow better under given conditions
Improved yields
Safer products
Improved nutrtion
What Plant Genetic Improvement Is
People think
Improved yields
What is Natural?
2. Dispel the appeal to nature
Humans have played a pivotal role in plant and animal improvement.
Genetics
Management
Nutrition, etc.
What Animal Genetic Improvement Is
Humans have always manipulated crop genetics
All existing crops and animals have been radically reshaped by humans, to enhance performance that has aided the human condition.
GM Crops Available Now
10
potato
apple
What are the Three Main Traits?
Virus Resistance
Insect Resistance
Herbicide Resistance
(how the traits work lecture online – (google “ UF biotechnology literacy day”)
How Does Transgenic Technology Work?
Turn OFF something that normally is ON
Turn ON something that is normally OFF or not there
How Do We Add a Gene to a Plant?
How Do We Add a Gene to a Plant? Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
DNA – genetic material, Hard copy safe in the nucleus of a cell
RNA – Transient copy of the same information (+/-)
Protein – Does the work! Enzymes, structures, etc.
Gene Silencing
Turns off a gene already present, using the same sequence
Uses RNAi technology
Papaya Ringspot VirusGood example of RNAi suppression
Golden Rice
X
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
Opposition to golden rice cost $2 billion to farmers in developing countries and 1.4 million human years – Wesseler et al., 2014
Cassava
Virus Resistant Cassava (VIRCA)
Biocassava Plus (BC Plus)
250 million depend on cassava
50 million tons lost to virus.
X
X Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
Golden Bananas Beta carotene producing
X
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
Bacterial Wilt in Bananas
>70% of carbohydrate calories for some areas
GM trials in Uganda
X
X
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
X
Allergy-Free Peanuts
Peanut – RNAi suppression Ara h2
X
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
GE chickens do not pass on Avian Influenza
Episode 007
X
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
X
X
X
X Animal welfare
AquaBounty Salmon – attains market weight in less time. Salmon may be farmed on inland pools, generating high protein food on fewer inputs.
Episode 008
X
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
X
X
X
X Wild populations
Non Browning ApplesSilencing a gene that leads to discoloration
XX
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
Small Business!X
X
X Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
Stopping Citrus Greening Spinach defensin
NPR1
Lytic peptides
Many show promise
Earliest deregulation is 2019
X
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
X
X
XX
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
X
Fungicide-Free Strawberries?
Silva et al., 2015
Reduced acrylamide, low bruise
XX
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
Non-Browning Trait
RNAi technology to interfere with enzyme production
No enzyme, no browning
*same mutation happened naturally in ‘golden’ raisins
Low Acrylamide Potatoes
RNAi technology interferes with asparagine production in the tuber
Late Blight Resistance
A gene from a potato relative was added to confer resistance to Phytopthroa infestans
25-50% decrease in fungicide treatments
Enhanced Cold StorageProcessing potatoes placed in cold convert starches to sugars that lead to browning and production of objectionable products.
Clausen, 2015
How do our industries discuss this issue with a concerned public
1.Know the fundamentals2.Memorize a a few core concepts3.Understand your audience4.Dispel the appeal to nature5.Establish your shared values6.Personalize your message, engage with honesty, transparency, and establish trust.7.Emphasize missed opportunities
Last- Your eReal Estate- Go Get It.
Why is there a problem?
Our most credible sources of information are not engaging
We are warm and competent! Why do we hide?
Why is there even a problem?
We need to understand
food, farming and technology!
We’re actually farmers, producers and scientists, but
we’re too busy.
How can we help you? We’re sorta
farmers, producers and scientists.
When scientists and producers talk to the When scientists and producers talk to the public, we tend to do it wrong!public, we tend to do it wrong!
FR
elat
ive
num
ber i
n po
pula
tion
Nonexperts
Farmers, scientists,
Etc.
MOST PEOPLE!!!!
FEAR FACTS
Favorable views of genetic engineering
YOUR AUDIENCE
NOT YOUR AUDIENCE
1. Understand your audience
Don’t lead with what you know… instead appeal to Shared Values
FACTS DON’T MATTER. ]
LOGOS PATHOS
ETHOS
LOGOS PATHOS
ETHOS
Start with ETHOS to establish common ground
LOGOS PATHOS
ETHOS
Start with ETHOS to establish common ground
Use LOGOS to provide evidence
LOGOS PATHOS
ETHOS
Start with ETHOS to establish common ground
Use LOGOS to provide evidence
Use PATHOS to reinforce and visualize
Shared Values?
FarmersDeveloping World
The NeedyFood Safety
Environment
Consumers
Animal Welfare
4. Personalize your message.
Understand why they feel the way they do.
Tell your story. Start with your concerns.
Talk about points that everyone can agree upon
Refer to your family, your personal goals.
Be transparent. Establish trust.
WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE?The center of the curve is composed of people that don’t know about food production, farming, and science.
They are concerned about food.
Share your story with them.
Avoid these Mistakes
Avoid “feed the world” rhetoric– Provide specifics.
Always discuss strengths and limitations
Don’t ever claim it is a single solution– it is not.
Embrace integration around other production methods.
Grab your e-Real EstateTalking to public audiences – Get Involved!
1. Obtain a dedicated Gmail account- use your real name.
2. Sign up for facebook, twitter, instagram, pintrest, etc.
3. Get a blog space on blogspot.com or wordpress.
4.Answer questions in comments sections of news articles.
I’m glad to help you set up your accounts and get connected
The good news is….The good news is….
• Consumer sentiment seems to be shiftingConsumer sentiment seems to be shifting
• The response to the new GE potato The response to the new GE potato varieties was favorablevarieties was favorable
How do we communicate about modern potato innovation?
XX
Farmers
Consumers
Environment
Needy
X
X
Farmers taking action.
Jennie Schmidt @FarmGirlJen
Brian Scottwww.thefarmerslife.com@thefarmerslife
Sarah Schultz – Nurse Loves Farmer@NurseLovesFarmr
Amanda@farmdaughterusa
#farm365
AMPLIFICATION
Who will talk to the concerned consumer?
Science
ReasonTruth
Facts
Conclusions:
We live in a time with the best food supply- safe and abundant.
A few vocal critics are dominating a science-limited public conversation. Scientist engagement questionable.
There are many good opportunities for crop and animal improvement that can benefit the farmer, the environment, the consumer and the needy.
Future solutions may be extremely valuable to the producer. No matter how you feel about genetic engineering, you should be allowed access to safe and proven technology
Find your electronic real estate and start using it. Participate with your expertise.
I work for you.
kfolta.blogspot.com@kevinfolta
www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com
iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM
Sponsors:
Current Research: USDAOutreach: www.talkingbiotech.com
Today’s talk – KPPA
“Don’t tell me it can’t be done, tell me what needs to be done and help me do it.”