Plant Breeders Explore Advances in Genetic Technologies in Australia

Plant breeders from New Zealand are gaining insights into the latest developments in genetic technologies during a forum held in Christchurch. The event was organized by the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (NZPBRA) and featured discussions on the advancements in gene technology used in Australia, which has had legislation in place for 25 years.

Sarah Clark, Chief Executive of the NZPBRA, emphasized the importance of understanding how these technologies can enhance plant breeding efforts. “For many people in the primary industries, the challenging question is what happens after the breeding,” she noted. Clark pointed out the necessity of considering what plants could be cultivated in New Zealand and how to maintain the country’s reputation for being GMO-free while leveraging new technologies.

A significant aspect of the discussions focused on the collaborative efforts within the Australian agricultural sector. Various agriculture groups in Australia have united to create a co-ordinated supply chain that supports both conventional and organic crops alongside those developed through gene technologies. This approach aims to ensure that market choices remain diverse and accessible.

The ongoing development of New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill 2024, which draws heavily from Australian legislation, was also a key topic. This Bill had its first reading in Parliament in December 2022. Australia has been at the forefront of genetic modification laws since it introduced legislation in the year 2000.

Visiting David Hudson, an Australian consultant, highlighted the strides that have been made in recent years regarding the coexistence of genetically modified and non-modified crops. He advised plant breeders to strive for a “permission to operate” framework, which would require alignment and cooperation among all stakeholders, including researchers, breeders, growers, and consumers.

The forum included contributions from Professor Emily Parker, a science adviser from the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment. She outlined the ongoing efforts to establish a new regulatory framework within the Gene Technology Bill. Following the Bill’s first reading, a public consultation period concluded in February and received approximately 15,000 submissions. Originally scheduled to report back in July, the Parliament’s Health Select Committee has postponed its findings until later this month. Professor Parker anticipates that the Bill will be reintroduced to the House before the end of the year.

Additionally, experts presented updates on traditional breeding methods for crops such as pines, kiwifruit, apples, pears, and forages. These conventional breeding programmes can require up to 15 years and significant investment to develop a single new cultivar. The integration of gene technologies into these processes holds promise for more efficient breeding outcomes.

The NZPBRA represents a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including plant breeders, intellectual property owners, and managers of proprietary agricultural seed. As the landscape of plant breeding continues to evolve, events like this forum are crucial in keeping industry professionals informed and prepared for future challenges and opportunities.