SASKATOON – Monsanto Inc. genetic scientist J.E. Fry fairly bubbled with optimism about the role biotechnology and genetic research will play in the battle to increase wheat production to feed a hungry world.
The population will double in the next 40 years, the St. Louis-based scientist told an international conference of wheat geneticists two weeks ago.
Wheat is the number one food consumed by humans worldwide, yet 40 percent of the annual harvest is lost to disease, weeds and pests, she said.
Science can create better varieties of wheat to increase yield.
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“Genetic engineering provides a means for rapid improvements,” she said.
But what if the public does not want to embrace the products of this scientific revolution?
Consumer resistance and skepticism about genetically modified plants is one of the key political controversies surrounding the science but it was rarely noted at the week-long conference of scientists.
“I guess we figure that is not our end of the business,” acknowledged Pilar Barcelo, a leading wheat geneticist in the United Kingdom who is about to move from a job in the public research sector to a position with DuPont. “But of course, it will affect what happens to what we do and how much money we get for our work.”
She noted that Monsanto is at the centre of the issue.
It was the company’s attempt to introduce some genetically modified seeds into Europe which led to strong European consumer reaction and the creation of trade barriers against the import of GMO products.
“Monsanto did not prepare the public well,” she said. “I think they are doing a much better job now.”
In a brief interview after her public presentation on the potential of the science, Fry said public acceptance is a key part of the biotechnology puzzle.
It was a common message from scientists when asked about evidence of public skepticism over genetically modified foods.
