Narrow Path for New Biotech Food Crops

Agricultural biotechnology acreage is increasing in the US and around the world and perhaps is becoming more accepted. Biotech corn, cotton, and soybeans were grown on a bout 85 million acres in the US in 2003 and along with canola on about 63 million acres in the rest of the world.  And on May 19, 2004, the European Commission allowed imports of a genetically engineered sweet corn developed by the Swiss company, Syngenta, ending a six-year moratorium on the approval of biotech food. But, a New York Times article on May 20 pointed out that this growth is in a narrow range, with 99 percent of the crops grown in six countries (the US, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, China, South Africa) and most of the acreage devoted to only four crops (soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola).  Furthermore, only the two major traits, insect resistance and herbicide resistance, have been engineered into these crops. These four crops are used primarily for animal feed, clothing, or to make oil and other ingredients for processed food rather than being eaten directly - something that has helped them gain acceptance. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN also recently issued a report saying that despite its promise, this technology was not being applied to crops like potatoes, cassava, rice, wheat, millet, and sorghum grown in developing countries. Virus-resistant, genetically engineered potatoes were developed but were taken off the market by Monsanto after big potato processors and fast-food companies told growers they did not want them.

Recent attempts to genetically engineer other crops have met resistance by food companies and farmers.  Furthermore, the time and money needed to pass regulatory hurdles make it too costly to apply biotechnology to relatively more minor crops than the four major ones already mentioned.  Some companies budget an additional $50 million above what they would spend on a conventional crop to bring a biotech seed to market.

The first genetically engineered crop, the Flavr Savr tomato, was introduced in 1994, and some gmo papaya and squash are on the market. Field trials have also included broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, squash, and watermelon.

But according to a recent article in California Agriculture, the number of US field trials of biotech fruit and vegetables has fallen from about 120 in 1999 to about 20 in 2003 and only two crops have been entered into consultation with the Food and Drug Administration in the last three years. However, Syngenta is developing the Stayripe Banana which would add about 5 days to the time before which the fruit would not be edible. Monsanto is also developing soybeans containing more healthful oils that would reduce harmful transfats and promote heart health, but conventional breeding rather than biotechnology will be used to develop this cultivar.  (New York Times - May 20, 2004)