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Moderated conference on Genomics in Food and Agriculture

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Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:04:17 +0100
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This is from Adrian Dubock, Golden Rice Project Manager, and Executive Secretary to the Golden Rice Humanitarian Board. 

It is good to see the excitement that the realization of genetics for improving food security generates. It is also good to see that the excitement is tempered with realistic prudence concerning where in the expected long time line to precise genetic management for useful phenotypes we are. As a  case in point, I was involved with the announcement of the determination of the genome of rice by Syngenta (for whom I then worked) in about 2001 - more than a decade ago. It hasn't resulted in much yet, despite costing at the time about $30m. 

Plant breeders have long induced random genetic mutation for crop breeding to release variation from which to select potentially useful phenotypes. (See http://mvgs.iaea.org ).  

Given all the above, I suggest that it is necessary and time for those who have previously found it difficult to embrace with enthusiasm the techniques of genetic engineering, to reassess their attitudes. And where possible to provide societal leadership in accepting the human limitations of what can be harnessed from the power of genetics currently: that is not only random mutation and subsequent selection but also genetic engineering and subsequent selection.  

It will be a long time before we can do more. And the world's need is now.

Adrian C Dubock (PhD),
Executive Secretary, Golden Rice Humanitarian Board
Project Manager Golden Rice
Switzerland
Web: www.goldenrice.org  
e-mail: contact (at) goldenrice.org 

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