The slow march toward development of the world’s first genetically modified wheat variety has taken another step forward.
Earlier this month, Swiss bioscience company Syngenta announced that it had entered into a research partnership with CIMMYT, an internationally funded research centre involved in corn and wheat breeding.
The two organizations will work together to develop new wheat varieties using advanced technologies including genetic modification.
CIMMYT has developed a worldwide network of experts and organizations dedicated to improving agricultural production and addressing hunger and poverty.
Hans Joachim Braun, director of CIMMYT’s global wheat program, said its partnership with Syngenta will increase global production and reduce the likelihood of crop failures and food shortages caused by drought, disease and pests.
Jay Bradshaw, president of Syngenta Canada, said the agreement will also benefit Canadian farmers by enhancing the company’s North American cereal breeding programs.
However, he stressed that it will not delve into the commercialization of GM wheat until there is market acceptance.
