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OAC Researcher to Participate in US Workshop on Gene Flow in Agriculture
September 6, 2011
With the development of new seeds and plants for everything from biofuels to pharmaceuticals, gene flow – the migration of genetic material from one population to another – is a ‘hot topic’. At a workshop in Washington DC Sept 7 – 8, participants from the seed and plant production industries, plant sciences researchers and the US Department of Agriculture will discuss the implications of gene flow for agriculture. Rene Van Acker, professor of plant agriculture and associate dean, external relations at the Ontario Agricultural College [OAC] at the University of Guelph is the only non-American among the experts at the workshop, which has been organized by the Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California, Davis.
“Understanding the biology and the implications of gene flow are essential to modern agriculture” says Van Acker, who was invited to attend because of his research in plant breeding and biosafety. As food and feed crops are being bred to include traits for everything from plant-based pharmaceuticals to industrial bio-products, the newly created plants can bring great value, but some will pose risks to food safety if they are not adequately confined. Using the example of genetically engineered alfalfa, he explains that while some crops can co-exist, the transfer of genetic material, which can occur naturally, has implications in the global marketplace. For instance, a number of countries in the European Union that have banned genetically modified crops are important markets for Canadian farmers. Any trace of GM material could render an entire crop unsellable in certain markets.
“We are at a stage in science and technology where we need to look at the long term implications from both a scientific and economic point of view” says Van Acker. The conference, which has been structured as a science-based workshop, is intended to focus on a comprehensive understanding of gene flow biology and its control, focusing on current and future strategies to maintain seed purity across all agricultural sectors. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to exchange insights with my peers from across the US, and to have the opportunity to discuss this important topic with scientists from industry and the US Department of Agriculture.”
