Plant Breeders Explore Innovative Gene Technologies in New Zealand

Experts and plant breeders gathered in Christchurch this month to discuss the potential of gene technology in plant breeding. The event, hosted by the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (NZPBRA), highlighted advancements made in Australia, where legislation regarding genetic modification has been in effect for the past 25 years.

During the forum, Sarah Clark, chief executive of NZPBRA, emphasized the importance of understanding how these technologies are applied in Australia. She noted, “For many people in the primary industries, the challenging question is what happens after the breeding; what plants might be grown in New Zealand, where and how do we get the benefit without forfeiting existing advantages, such as trading on our GMO-free status?”

Australia’s agricultural sector has successfully coordinated efforts to establish a supply chain that accommodates both conventional and organic crops alongside those developed using gene technologies. This model may serve as a blueprint for New Zealand as it navigates its own regulatory landscape.

The Gene Technology Bill 2024 in New Zealand, which mirrors Australian legislation, had its first reading in Parliament in December 2022. This bill aims to provide a framework that supports innovation while addressing public concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Visiting consultant David Hudson from Australia pointed out that significant progress has been made in recent years to facilitate the coexistence of genetically modified and non-modified crops. He encouraged plant breeders to strive for a “permission to operate” approach, which involves aligning all stakeholders across the value chain—from researchers to breeders and ultimately to consumers.

The forum also featured insights from Professor Emily Parker, a science adviser for the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment. She outlined ongoing work towards developing a new regulatory framework under the Gene Technology Bill. Following the bill’s first reading, a public consultation period closed in February 2023, receiving approximately 15,000 submissions. While the Health Select Committee was expected to report back in July, this timeline has been postponed until later this month. Professor Parker anticipates that the bill will be reintroduced to Parliament before the end of the year.

Additional presentations showcased advancements in traditional breeding methods for various crops, including pines, kiwifruit, apples, pears, and forages. These conventional selection programs can take up to 15 years and require substantial investment to produce a new cultivar. The incorporation of gene technologies could significantly reduce the time and resources needed to develop new varieties.

The NZPBRA serves as a vital organization representing plant breeders, intellectual property owners, and managers of proprietary agricultural seed. The discussions held at the forum reflect a growing interest in integrating innovative gene technologies into New Zealand’s agricultural framework, with the potential to enhance productivity while maintaining the country’s unique environmental and trade considerations.