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2005: A year of success for plant and animal biotechnology
“Significant achievements were made in the adoption and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology for improved crops and animals in 2005,” said Sean Darragh, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
“A major milestone was reached in May when the one billionth acre of biotech crops was sown capping a decade of plantings in 18 countries around the globe,” added Darragh. He also pointed out that more than 90 percent of the 8 million farmers growing biotech crops were located in developing nations.
“While the first generation of plant biotech products directly benefited farmers and the environment, the next generation of plant biotech research is focused on providing consumer benefits, including the development of biotech plants that offer increased nutrition and health benefits,” said Darragh.
In addition to record acceptance by farmers, scientists continued to increase their understanding and knowledge of plants and animals through genome sequencing projects. In 2005, the rice and dog genomes were mapped, and projects to sequence soybean, corn, and sheep genomes were announced. Researchers use these genetic maps to improve the nutrient quality of food crops and strengthen plants’ abilities to resist drought conditions, insect infestation and plant disease. In addition, by understanding the makeup of animals at a cellular level, scientists can develop leaner and more nutritious dairy and meat products, as well as help animals to live healthier lives.
There were also advances in animal biotechnology research which will lead to improved animal health, more nutritious and safer food products from animals, advances in human health, and conservation of both the environment and endangered animals. They include:
- Chickens, cows and pigs were improved through biotechnology as part of research to improve human health. In June, Scottish scientists developed a method of producing antibodies that treat malignant skin cancer in chicken egg whites improved through biotechnology. The new production technique could allow for the development of a wide range of cancer treatments in greater volume and in a more cost-efficient method than conventional manufacturing techniques.
- In Argentina, cows were improved with biotechnology to produce human growth hormones in their milk. Scientists estimate that just 15 of these Jersey cows could produce enough human growth hormone to meet the current world demand for the hormone.
- In animal conservation, an endangered species of Mongolian gazelle was cloned for the first time. 2005 also marked several other animal cloning firsts, including water buffalo and an Arab endurance champion horse. In addition, the United Kingdom announced approval to clone horses for research using somatic nuclear transfer techniques
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
(www.truthabouttrade.org)
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