Biotechnology Overview
Biotechnology offers great promise for consumers around the world. Acceptance by consumers depends on a continued effort to better inform the environmental and health benefits this technology provides. Due to the complexity of the technology and the lack of acceptance by some markets, the future of biotechnology will require new management practices by biotech providers, producers, grain merchandisers, and food processors.
NCGA attempts to balance producers’ desire for new technology and its efficiencies with the need to meet consumer demand. We recognize the importance of protecting the integrity of corn and its markets. NCGA insists that every product registrant conducts due diligence in bringing products to market in a manner that does not disrupt domestic or international trade. Specifically, full Japanese regulatory approval must be received before the commercial release of biotech corn events or combination of events. Additionally, the product registrant must be aggressively pursuing approval in every country or bloc that requires approval before allowing imports. Registrants are also expected to discuss and develop a certified marketing system to assure products reach appropriate markets. Tests must be available prior to the marketing of new biotech events.
Since the introduction of biotech crops, growers continue to cite the agronomic and economic benefits of the crops. As a result, biotech planting has increased each year since its introduction to farmers. Currently, in major corn producing states, farmers plant 80% percent of their acreage to all types of corn biotech hybrids.
As biotech corn planting continues to expand, it is imperative that growers remain vigilant in protecting the technology through Insect and Weed Resistance Management, and support identity-preserved markets through crop segregation when needed.
Mycotoxin Overview
Mycotoxins are a naturally occurring family of toxins produced by the Aspergillus family of molds. They are most prevalent in corn, cotton, peanuts and tree nuts. They can be caused by several vectors; the most common being drought-stressed corn that then experiences periods of high humidity. While mycotoxins are most common in the South, northern corn growers also can experience mycotoxin infestations.
One of the major mycotoxins, aflatoxin can have serious health impacts on humans, livestock and pets. Contamination is a leading health concern in developing countries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration established the following limits for aflatoxin feeding:
20 ppb -- Corn and other grains intended for humans, immature animals (including immature poultry) and dairy animals, or when its destination is not known
20 ppb -- Animal feeds, other than corn or cottonseed meal
100 ppb -- Corn and other grains intended for breeding beef cattle, breeding swine or mature poultry
200 ppb -- Corn and other grains intended for finishing swine of 100 pounds or greater
300 ppb -- Corn and other grains intended for finishing (i.e., feedlot) beef cattle and for cottonseed meal intended for beef cattle
Additionally, mycotoxins cost corn growers millions of dollars in lost sales every year. Corn processing compounds mycotoxin levels in coproducts, making infested corn unsuitable for use. For example, levels of aflatoxin are increased during ethanol production by up to three times the level found in grain, thus causing high levels in the dried distillers grains that are used for livestock feed and export.
Inconsistency in sampling procedures frequently results in improper diagnosis.
NCGA believes that mycotoxin-detection technologies are necessary to secure the nation’s food supply and to ensure the quality of corn products. A breakthrough in mycotoxin detection would provide the American farmer with better tools to protect food safety, on-farm investments, and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Corn Genome Overview
In 1997, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) spearheaded the creation of a major plant genome research effort, resulting in the National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI). Managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and supported by the Interagency Working Group on Plant Genomes, this initiative has led to an unprecedented increase in the understanding of the genomics and genetics of plants. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to understand the structure and function of all plant genes at all levels. This initiative has changed the way research is conducted in plant biology, attracted a new generation of scientists and contributed new insights and knowledge into plant genomics and biology.
A major milestone was reached in 2008 with the completion of the $32 million draft sequencing of the corn genome. This accomplishment lays the foundation in the next paradigm of corn genetics. As a result, corn growers will be able to plant varieties of corn that are better able to withstand drought and other environmental stresses and are better suited to market and environmental needs. Consumers will benefit from a more sustainable, nutritious, and abundant food supply.
The NPGI released its new five-year plan for the program in 2009. The plan includes objectives that will translate the sequence data into useful information regarding the structure and function of corn’s genes. Continuation of this program is critical to successfully utilizing the last decade’s investment and will ultimately improve the profitability and efficiency of corn production.
Other benefits include:
- Increased efficiency of public and private corn breeding programs
- Quicker delivery of new, beneficial traits
- Enhancement of drought tolerance and pest resistance traits in corn
- New efficiencies to be gained in utilization inputs such as nitrogen
- Attraction of quality students and researchers to plant genomic and genetic fields
- Creation of a model to complete other major crop genome sequences.
