Leading Companies Collaborate to Set Industry Standards
In a pivotal move towards responsible agricultural biotechnology, key seed trait developers have come together to establish the Plant Breeding Innovation Management Program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Global Stewardship Group (GSG), aims to ensure the responsible development and deployment of plant products through gene editing, a technique that alters plant DNA without introducing foreign genetic material.
Chris Holdgreve, CEO of GSG, emphasizes the program’s role in establishing best practices amidst varying global regulatory landscapes. “The program sets a common framework to navigate diverse regulatory frameworks worldwide while embracing the transformative potential of gene editing,” Holdgreve stated.
The inaugural members of the program, including industry giants like Bayer, Corteva Agriscience, KWS SAAT, Limagrain, Syngenta, and Tropic Biosciences, underscore its broad industry support and commitment to transparency.
“At its core, the program aims to enhance transparency across the value chain and with stakeholders, ensuring market acceptance and accessibility of product benefits for growers and consumers,” explained Holdgreve.
Central to the program are third-party audits conducted at company sites, which verify adherence to rigorous standards encompassing laboratory operations and stakeholder engagement. Scott Mundell, Corteva’s senior manager and chairman of the GSG board, highlighted the program’s adaptability to diverse regulatory environments, crucial for navigating global markets effectively.
“While some gene edits may not face stringent regulatory requirements in certain regions due to their safety and resemblance to conventional breeding, international trade complexities necessitate a proactive approach,” Mundell emphasized.
For companies like Tropic Biosciences, known for pioneering gene-edited bananas with reduced browning and enhanced shelf-life, participation in the stewardship program provides assurances of high production standards and regulatory compliance.
“This initiative enables us to demonstrate that our products meet rigorous standards, ensuring quality and safety,” remarked Duncan Ribbons, vice president of intellectual property and regulatory at Tropic Biosciences.
As the Plant Breeding Innovation Management Program takes shape, its impact extends beyond regulatory compliance to fostering industry-wide collaboration and consumer confidence in gene-edited agricultural products.
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