The AgBiotech The AgBiotech ControversyControversy

Alan McHughen, D.Phil., Alan McHughen, D.Phil., University of CaliforniaUniversity of California

Riverside, Ca USARiverside, Ca USA

alanmc@ucr.edualanmc@ucr.edu

Are GM foods in Are GM foods in US US

supermarkets?supermarkets?a.a. YesYes

b.b. NoNo

Do ordinary Do ordinary tomatoes contain tomatoes contain

genes?genes?a.a. YesYes

b.b. NoNo

Would a tomato Would a tomato with a fish gene with a fish gene taste “fishy”?taste “fishy”?

a.a. YesYes

b.b. NoNo

If you ate a GM If you ate a GM fruit, might it alter fruit, might it alter

your genes?your genes?a.a. YesYes

b.b. NoNo

Can animal Can animal genes be inserted genes be inserted

into a plant?into a plant?a.a. YesYes

b.b. NoNo

Give an example Give an example of GM food on of GM food on

the marketthe marketa.a. There are noneThere are none

b.b. All foods are GMAll foods are GM

c.c. TomatoTomato

d.d. WheatWheat

e.e. SquashSquash

f.f. PapayaPapaya

Survey results (% Survey results (% Correct)Correct)

Are GM foods in US Are GM foods in US supermarkets?supermarkets?

Do ordinary tomatoes Do ordinary tomatoes contain genes?contain genes?

Would a tomato with a Would a tomato with a fish gene taste “fishy”?fish gene taste “fishy”?

If you ate a GM fruit, If you ate a GM fruit, might it alter your might it alter your genes?genes?

Can animal genes be Can animal genes be inserted into a plant?inserted into a plant?

Give an example of GM Give an example of GM food on the marketfood on the market

48 % 48 % 404042424545303079% 79%

TomatoesTomatoes

Consequences of poor Consequences of poor public understanding of public understanding of

sciencescience Public opinion drives policyPublic opinion drives policy Ignorance of science results in bad science Ignorance of science results in bad science

policypolicy Topical political issues demand good science:Topical political issues demand good science:

Stem cell research, Nanotechnology, Stem cell research, Nanotechnology, Climate change, GM foods, Climate change, GM foods, Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides, Cell phones, Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides, Cell phones, Biodiversity, Fuel cell technology, Biodiversity, Fuel cell technology, Biological weapons, Evolution in schools, Biological weapons, Evolution in schools, etc. etc.

Examples of poor scientific Examples of poor scientific literacyliteracy

World: Cartagena Protocol 9/11/2003World: Cartagena Protocol 9/11/2003 “…“…prevents or reduces the risks (of prevents or reduces the risks (of

LMOs) LMOs) to biological diversity, taking also to biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health .”into account risks to human health .”

Philippines: effect of Bt cornfieldsPhilippines: effect of Bt cornfields Zambia: GM food is ‘poison”Zambia: GM food is ‘poison” Africa (south): cure for HIV/AIDSAfrica (south): cure for HIV/AIDS Africa (north): GM foods and CIAAfrica (north): GM foods and CIA

Need for public science Need for public science literacyliteracy

Public perceptions are often based Public perceptions are often based on:on: Invalid assumptionsInvalid assumptions

Failure to apply critical thinkingFailure to apply critical thinking

Lack of context (e.g. chemicals).Lack of context (e.g. chemicals).

From a billboard in Nebraska, Courtesy of Syngenta

Sprayed 32 times

Sprayed once.

Where do people get Where do people get information?information?

““GE (rDNA) is unnatural because it GE (rDNA) is unnatural because it breaks the nature’s species barrier that breaks the nature’s species barrier that precludes genes moving from one precludes genes moving from one species to another”species to another”

““DNA is a complex protein” DNA is a complex protein” ““GMOs commercialized with 3 mos to 3 GMOs commercialized with 3 mos to 3

yrs field testing and no long-term safety yrs field testing and no long-term safety and environment studies.”and environment studies.”

A long history of Biotechnology fearmongering

What species barrier? What species barrier? Approx 38% of wheat has Approx 38% of wheat has

rye DNArye DNA

Friebe et al., Crop Science 39:1692-1696 (1999)

CHAPTER 10A.15 PROHIBITION ON THE CHAPTER 10A.15 PROHIBITION ON THE PROPAGATION, CULTIVATION, RAISING PROPAGATION, CULTIVATION, RAISING

AND GROWING OF GENETICALLY AND GROWING OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS IN MENDOCINO MODIFIED ORGANISMS IN MENDOCINO

COUNTYCOUNTY The people of Mendocino County wish to The people of Mendocino County wish to protect the County’s agriculture, protect the County’s agriculture, environment, economy, and private environment, economy, and private property from genetic pollution by property from genetic pollution by genetically modified organisms. (Measure genetically modified organisms. (Measure H-2004, passed March 2, 2004.)H-2004, passed March 2, 2004.)

Sec. 10A.15.030 Definitions.Sec. 10A.15.030 Definitions. (B) “DNA” or “deoxyribonucleic acid” (B) “DNA” or “deoxyribonucleic acid”

means a complex protein…means a complex protein…

File to support registration of new crop variety- conventional breeding

Documented benefits of Documented benefits of biotech cropsbiotech crops

FarmersFarmers Increased yields (especially in developing Increased yields (especially in developing

countries)countries) Decreased chemical input costsDecreased chemical input costs Cleaner fields, less dockageCleaner fields, less dockage Less fuel usedLess fuel used Less tillageLess tillage Fewer adverse health effects (esp. China)Fewer adverse health effects (esp. China) Increased income ($44Billion 1996- 2006).Increased income ($44Billion 1996- 2006).

Why poorer farmers grow Why poorer farmers grow GM cropsGM crops

Philippines (Bt corn)Philippines (Bt corn) ~30% increase in yield~30% increase in yield

South Africa (Bt cotton, Bt maize)South Africa (Bt cotton, Bt maize) ~77% higher returns (smaller farm = higher ~77% higher returns (smaller farm = higher

benefit)benefit) China (Bt cotton)China (Bt cotton)

8-10% Higher yields8-10% Higher yields Reduction in farm labor poisoningsReduction in farm labor poisonings

India (Bt cotton)India (Bt cotton) ~70% drop in pesticide exposure~70% drop in pesticide exposure Shift in pesticide way from older, mote toxic Shift in pesticide way from older, mote toxic

onesones Increased yieldsIncreased yields

Regular corn, no Regular corn, no pesticidepesticide

Regular corn plus Regular corn plus pesticidepesticide

GE Bt corn Hybrid ‘D’ GE Bt corn Hybrid ‘D’

Documented benefits of Documented benefits of biotech cropsbiotech crops

ConsumersConsumers Safer food (less mycotoxin in maize, esp Safer food (less mycotoxin in maize, esp

Africa/Asia)Africa/Asia) Safer food (greater regulatory scrutiny)Safer food (greater regulatory scrutiny) Less pesticideLess pesticide Environmental benefits.Environmental benefits.

Documented benefits of Documented benefits of biotech cropsbiotech crops

EnvironmentEnvironment Less pesticide burdenLess pesticide burden Safer pesticidesSafer pesticides Improved soil from less tillageImproved soil from less tillage Less fuel usageLess fuel usage Increased biodiversityIncreased biodiversity

Sources: NCFAP, Plant Biotechnology, June 2002; November Sources: NCFAP, Plant Biotechnology, June 2002; November 20042004

Canola Council of Canada, An agronomic and economic Canola Council of Canada, An agronomic and economic assessment of transgenic canola, 2001assessment of transgenic canola, 2001

Munkvold, G.P., Hellmich, R.L., and Rice, L.G. 1999. Munkvold, G.P., Hellmich, R.L., and Rice, L.G. 1999. Comparison of fumonisin concentrations in kernels of Comparison of fumonisin concentrations in kernels of transgenic Bt maize hybrids and non-transgenic hybrids. Plant transgenic Bt maize hybrids and non-transgenic hybrids. Plant Dis. 83:130-138.Dis. 83:130-138.

Biotech opportunitiesBiotech opportunities

Health and NutritionHealth and Nutrition Removal of allergensRemoval of allergens Removal of anti-nutritional substancesRemoval of anti-nutritional substances Removal of pathogens and contaminantsRemoval of pathogens and contaminants

Mycotoxins in Bt cornMycotoxins in Bt corn Signal for pathogens (with nanotech)Signal for pathogens (with nanotech) Enhance nutrient content Enhance nutrient content

““Golden rice” with Golden rice” with ββ-carotene-carotene India’s “Protato” with increased protein.India’s “Protato” with increased protein.

Biotech opportunitiesBiotech opportunities

EnvironmentEnvironment Reduced pesticide loadReduced pesticide load More food/feed on less landMore food/feed on less land Better resource efficiencyBetter resource efficiency

Water useWater use Climate change adaptations.Climate change adaptations.

Biotech opportunitiesBiotech opportunities

Sustainable developmentSustainable development Sustainability in poorer countriesSustainability in poorer countries

PhilippinesPhilippines South AfricaSouth Africa

Diversification at home and abroadDiversification at home and abroad Specialty crops Specialty crops Improvement of local crops. Improvement of local crops.

Controversy remains…Controversy remains…

Legitimate question:Legitimate question:

Is it safe? Is it safe? Safe for environmentSafe for environment Safe for food and feed.Safe for food and feed.

Crossing of existing approved plant varieties*

*includes all methods of breeding

Conventional pollen based crossing of closely related species

Selection from a heterogenous population

rDNA via Agrobacterium , transfer of genes from closely related species

Mutation breeding, chemical mutagenesis, ionizing radiation

Somatic hybridization

Somaclonal variation (SCV)

rDNA biolistic, transfer of genes from closely related species

rDNA biolistic, transfer of genes from distantly related species

Conventional pollen based crossing of distantly related species or embryo rescue

Selection from a homogenous population

rDNA via Agrobacterium , transfer of genes from distantly related species

Likelihood of unintended effects (arbitrary scale)Less likely More likely

NAS/IOM findingsNAS/IOM findings

There are NO documented adverse There are NO documented adverse health effects from eating GE foods.health effects from eating GE foods. Allegations of harm are unfoundedAllegations of harm are unfounded

Genetic engineering is NOT inherently Genetic engineering is NOT inherently hazardous.hazardous.

Paradigm shift: The Paradigm shift: The disconnectdisconnect

Process vs productProcess vs product Fear derived from Fear derived from processprocess Hazard comes from Hazard comes from productproduct

Absolute vs relativeAbsolute vs relative To some, GE is absolutely novel and To some, GE is absolutely novel and

incomparable to previous hazards or incomparable to previous hazards or technologies.technologies.

To scientific community, GE is an To scientific community, GE is an extension of previous gene manipulation extension of previous gene manipulation technologies.technologies.

Traditional approach to Traditional approach to RiskRisk

ComponentComponent Risk Risk

AssessmentAssessment Risk Risk

ManagementManagement Risk Risk

CommunicationCommunication

ResponsibiliResponsibilityty

ScientistsScientists RegulatorsRegulators No one, No one,

everyone, ???everyone, ???

Who should be Who should be responsibleresponsible

for risk communication?for risk communication?a. Scientists, Academicsa. Scientists, Academics

b. Governmentb. Government

c. Industryc. Industry

d. NGOsd. NGOs

Modern Approach to Risk Modern Approach to Risk AssessmentAssessment

Science drivenScience driven Real riskReal risk Substantial Substantial

equivalenceequivalence ObjectiveObjective Relative Relative

““Prove it as safe Prove it as safe as…”as…”

ProductProduct

Values drivenValues driven Perceived riskPerceived risk Precautionary Precautionary

PrinciplePrinciple SubjectiveSubjective AbsoluteAbsolute

““Prove it safe.”Prove it safe.” ProcessProcess

Science vs. Non-scienceScience vs. Non-science Non-scientific approachNon-scientific approach

Starts with conclusion, searches for evidence Starts with conclusion, searches for evidence to support it (to support it (cherry pickingcherry picking))

Discredits alternative viewsDiscredits alternative views Often lacks contextOften lacks context

Scientific approach (Scientific approach (n.b. not all scientistsn.b. not all scientists)) Collects and analyses all available evidence Collects and analyses all available evidence

before (perhaps) reaching conclusionbefore (perhaps) reaching conclusion Actively seeks alternative interpretationsActively seeks alternative interpretations Is his/her own greatest criticIs his/her own greatest critic AppliesApplies Critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills.

Problem of contextProblem of context

““Fear uncouples rational and critical Fear uncouples rational and critical thinking” thinking” E.g. use of pesticides in agricultureE.g. use of pesticides in agriculture

““Natural” products are invariably safe.Natural” products are invariably safe. Synthetic chemicals are invariably Synthetic chemicals are invariably

hazardoushazardous Toxicology doesn’t matter: Toxicology doesn’t matter:

all all chemicals are equally hazardouschemicals are equally hazardous Amount doesn’t matter: Amount doesn’t matter:

anyany amount is too much. amount is too much.

From a billboard in Nebraska, Courtesy of Syngenta

Sprayed 32 times

Sprayed once.

Fear and loathing:Fear and loathing:the context of riskthe context of risk

Roanoke (Va) Roanoke (Va) Times (9/20/2004)Times (9/20/2004): : “Mellisa Williamson, 35… worries “Mellisa Williamson, 35… worries about the effect on her unborn child about the effect on her unborn child from the sound of jackhammers.’ from the sound of jackhammers.’

Is Ms Williamson (or other similarly Is Ms Williamson (or other similarly concerned parents) likely to feed GMO concerned parents) likely to feed GMO babyfood to her child?babyfood to her child?

Pregnant Mellisa worries Pregnant Mellisa worries about noiseabout noise

(What’s wrong with this (What’s wrong with this picture?)picture?)

Scientific fact as common Scientific fact as common currencycurrency

Science is a search for Science is a search for TRUTHTRUTH Science evaluates all available evidence before Science evaluates all available evidence before

(maybe) reaching a conclusion(maybe) reaching a conclusion Non-science starts with a conclusion, then Non-science starts with a conclusion, then

seeks supporting evidence (and rejects seeks supporting evidence (and rejects contrary evidence)contrary evidence)

Value neutralValue neutral But access may influence valuesBut access may influence values

Facts are not subject to democracy or Facts are not subject to democracy or whim of fashion/popular opinion.whim of fashion/popular opinion. Indiana considered rounding Pi to 3.0Indiana considered rounding Pi to 3.0 Mendocino County redefined DNA as a Mendocino County redefined DNA as a

protein.protein.

Science vs NatureScience vs Nature

Science is the knowledge of NatureScience is the knowledge of Nature Technology Technology mightmight be used to fight Nature be used to fight Nature Technology Technology mightmight be used to support Nature be used to support Nature

Human blood transfusionsHuman blood transfusions Air conditioning, irrigation, water purification, etc.Air conditioning, irrigation, water purification, etc.

Homo sapiensHomo sapiens population >6.5 billion + population >6.5 billion + Holding capacity of Earth: 3-4 billion humansHolding capacity of Earth: 3-4 billion humans

What do we do?What do we do?

Should Should science/technology be science/technology be used to fight climate used to fight climate

change?change?a.a. YesYes

b.b. NoNo

Future ProspectFuture Prospect

Applications of biotechnology will Applications of biotechnology will increase,increase, Especially in AgricultureEspecially in Agriculture Also in Medical, Industrial, etc.Also in Medical, Industrial, etc.

Outcome for society at largeOutcome for society at large Division between science literate and Division between science literate and

illiterate?illiterate? Informed vs ignorant?Informed vs ignorant? The ignorant still get to vote!The ignorant still get to vote!

Should people ignorant Should people ignorant of issues be allowed to of issues be allowed to

vote?vote?a. Yesa. Yes

b. Nob. No

ConclusionsConclusions

Biotechnology is a tool with no greater Biotechnology is a tool with no greater potential risks than other breeding methodspotential risks than other breeding methods

But does provide opportunities for goodBut does provide opportunities for good Each application of Biotechnology must be Each application of Biotechnology must be

individually and properly evaluatedindividually and properly evaluated Biotechnology may serve objectives of Biotechnology may serve objectives of

environmental, agronomic, and economic environmental, agronomic, and economic sustainabilitysustainability

Biotechnology is not a panacea but also Biotechnology is not a panacea but also cannot be categorically rejected or ignored.cannot be categorically rejected or ignored.

ConclusionConclusion

Scientists provide informationScientists provide information And context (e.g., that nature also transfers And context (e.g., that nature also transfers

genes)genes) Society, not scientists, makes decisionsSociety, not scientists, makes decisions

But must have accurate information But must have accurate information Scientists have professional Scientists have professional

responsibilitiesresponsibilities To conduct work in an ethically sound To conduct work in an ethically sound

mannermanner To inform, but not advocate, policy.To inform, but not advocate, policy.