Australian Plant Breeding Innovations Inspire New Zealand Forum

Plant breeders from New Zealand gathered in Christchurch to learn about advancements in gene technology during a recent forum hosted by the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (NZPBRA). The event, held this month, featured insights from experts on the use of gene technologies in plant breeding programs in Australia, where related legislation has been in effect for 25 years.

Sarah Clark, the chief executive of NZPBRA, emphasized the importance of these updates, stating that plant breeders are keen to understand how they can harness these technologies for enhancing their crops. “For many people in the primary industries, the challenging question is what happens after the breeding; what plants might be grown in New Zealand, where and how do we get the benefit without forfeiting existing advantages, such as trading on our GMO-free status?” Clark explained.

Australia’s agricultural community has united to create a co-ordinated supply chain that accommodates market choices, allowing conventional and organic crops to exist alongside those developed using genetic modification. This strategy is intended to ensure that the benefits of modern breeding techniques can be realized without compromising market integrity.

The Gene Technology Bill 2024 in New Zealand is largely modeled after Australian legislation, having had its first reading in Parliament in December 2022. Australia first implemented legislation permitting genetic modification of plants in 2000, thus setting a precedent for its neighbors.

Visiting consultant David Hudson noted that Australia has made significant strides in recent years, facilitating the coexistence of genetically modified and non-modified crops. He advised attendees to pursue a “permission to operate” approach, securing alignment among all stakeholders in the supply chain, from researchers and breeders to growers and consumers.

During the forum, Professor Emily Parker, a science adviser with the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment, outlined ongoing efforts to establish a new regulatory framework under the Gene Technology Bill. Public consultation on the Bill, which closed in February 2024, garnered approximately 15,000 submissions. Although the Parliament’s Health Select Committee was expected to deliver its report in July 2024, this has been postponed until later this month. Professor Parker anticipates that the Bill will be reintroduced to the House before the end of the year.

Experts also showcased advancements in conventional breeding methods for various crops, including pines, kiwifruit, apples, pears, and forages. Presentations highlighted the potential for integrating gene technologies into these conventional programs, which typically require up to 15 years and substantial investment to develop a single new cultivar.

The NZPBRA serves as a representative body for plant breeders, intellectual property owners, and managers of proprietary agricultural seeds. The insights shared at this forum could significantly impact the future of plant breeding in New Zealand, as stakeholders navigate the complexities of integrating new technologies into existing agricultural frameworks.