By Andi Anderson
In late August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the deregulation of the HB4 drought-tolerant wheat trait developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions.
This decision allows for the potential cultivation of drought-tolerant wheat in the United States, marking a significant step forward for wheat producers facing ongoing challenges due to drought conditions.
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) praised the USDA’s robust, science-based approach to the decision. The introduction of drought-tolerant wheat could help address global wheat supply issues while also promoting more sustainable farming practices by reducing water and input usage.
As an Oklahoma wheat farmer and current NAWG President, Keeff Felty expressed optimism about the impact of this new development, particularly for regions that frequently experience drought.
“Wheat producers across major growing regions have faced intense drought over the past few years,” said Felty. “Innovations like HB4 provide growers with a tool to protect and stabilize yields in these challenging conditions.”
While the USDA’s deregulation is a significant milestone, additional steps are necessary before the HB4 trait can be fully commercialized in the U.S. NAWG will continue collaborating with Bioceres to support this process and engage in efforts to gain approval from major export markets.
In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged that they had no further questions regarding the safety of the HB4 trait.
Globally, Bioceres has already secured regulatory approval for food and feed use in countries like Nigeria, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and South Africa, with applications pending in several others. Farmers in Argentina and Brazil are currently growing wheat with the HB4 trait, and Bioceres is also planning field trials in Australia as part of their efforts to expand cultivation approvals.
The introduction of HB4 represents a promising advancement for the wheat industry, offering farmers a way to mitigate the impact of drought while enhancing sustainability and productivity across the globe.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture