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Argentina to produce climate-resistant super wheat in world first

A scientist studies genetically modified plants in the growth room of a lab at the Bioceres agricultural biotechnology company in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina -  MARCELO MANERA / AFP
A scientist studies genetically modified plants in the growth room of a lab at the Bioceres agricultural biotechnology company in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina - MARCELO MANERA / AFP

Gene-edited wheat is to be grown in Argentina, as the country becomes the first in the world to give the green light on the use of the drought-resistant crop.

The genetically modified variety flourishes under dry conditions, providing hope for Latin America's largest wheat producer, which has struggled with on-going water stress in recent years.

The new generation of wheat is known as BIOX.BA HB4 and was developed by Trigall Genetics, in partnership with Bioceres BIOX.A and France's Florimond Desprez.

In field trials conducted over the past 10 years, the seed varieties showed an average increased crop yield of 20 per cent during growing seasons affected by droughts.

A scientist studies genetically modified plants in a lab at the Bioceres agricultural biotechnology company in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina -  MARCELO MANERA  / AFP
A scientist studies genetically modified plants in a lab at the Bioceres agricultural biotechnology company in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina - MARCELO MANERA / AFP

This is not the first climate-resistant super crop to be approved in Argentina.

Alongside the United States and Brazil, the country has already been planting Trigall's modified soya bean for at least a year.

However, while the so-called HB4 soy variety represents nearly 80 per cent of the world's total soybean acreage, concerns have already been raised about the new generation of wheat.

No other countries have yet approved the importation of GMO wheat and the government has already said that the product cannot be sold before Brazil, Argentina's biggest wheat buyer, approves its importation.

This leaves Argentine farmers with little incentive to plant it and many farm groups have objected to the product over concerns it could prove a stigma for exporters.

“Not only are wheat and flour exports put at risk, but also pellets, starch, gluten, baked goods, noodles and all the products (that require additional processing),” said a statement signed by regional farmers’ associations, traders, and the influential Chamber of Cereal Exporters (CEC).

Q&A | Genetic modification of crops
Q&A | Genetic modification of crops

Elsewhere others are hoping that the crop’s approval will provide some ecological benefits.

Alongside increased food and economic security, it’s hoped that the higher crop yields from the drought-resistant seed will eventually offer greater environmental protections.

Reliable production levels reduce the need to expand farmland and intensive agricultural practices, which in turn cuts carbon emissions and protects fragile ecosystems.

"This is just the beginning of a monumental quest to transform wheat production systems globally, for the benefit of growers and consumers alike," Bioceres chief executive officer Federico Trucco said.

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