Is GM Wheat Bound For the PNW?

Back in August, the USDA gave the greenlight for a genetically modified wheat to be grown in the United States.  Does this mean growers across the Northwest will soon plant and grow HB4 wheat, which is modified to be drought tolerate?

Casey Chumrau, CEO of the Washington Grain Commission stressed the decision made by the USDA is very different than the variety being commercialized.

“This basically just creates a path for this Argentinian company to possibly partner with somebody here in the United States and try to then integrate that trait into variety.  Plant breeding takes a very long.  It will probably take at least three to five years, if not longer, if that trait were to be able to get into a variety that's more adapted to planting here in the United States.”

Chumrau added the local wheat industry will proceed with great caution, due to the sensitivity of Asian markets, many of whom are the biggest purchasers of Northwest wheat.

“We are working really closely with our Asian customers, you know, to assure them that one, this is not in commercial production yet. And when it finally is, the U.S. system is extremely sophisticated and experienced at segregating for many different qualities, including, in corn and soybeans for a GM trade or for conventional.  So we want to make sure that everybody knows that while we support tools for farmers to be more productive, we also want to make sure that we are protecting those markets and that we have somewhere to sell our wheat.” 

For more from Chumrau on what the USDA’s approval does, and doesn’t mean for the local wheat industry, listen to our podcast below:

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com