RELEASE: NAWG Submits Comments to USDA’s Proposed Rule Changes to Proposed Rule on GE Plants
August 06, 2019 marked the closing of the comment period for the U.S Department of Agriculture’s proposed rule changes to regulations in 7 CFR part 340, “Introductions of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering Which are Plant Pests or Which There is Reason to Believe are Plant Pests”. NAWG submitted comments to the proposed rule (Docket No. APHIS–2018–0034) and issued a release highlighting the comments here: http://bit.ly/2MJchcm.
NWF Publishes Blog on How Gene Editing Could Decrease Pesticide and Fertilizer Usage
Merrick Irvin is the National Association of Wheat Growers Summer 2019 Intern and has been working on a blog series covering advancements in the wheat industry through gene editing and technology. On the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) website, Merrick has uploaded his latest entry on how gene editing can decrease wheat producer’s reliance on pesticides and fertilizers. This page provides an interesting look into current gene editing research that is making wheat more resilient to pests and more nutrient efficient. Feel free to check it out here!
National Geographic: World Food Crisis Looms if Carbon Emissions Go Unchecked, UN says
“The impacts of climate change on land are already severe and will substantially increase food prices, risking widespread food instability, says a new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Special Report on Climate Change and Land warned that a food crisis looms, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions, if carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions go unchecked. Rising temperatures may also reduce the nutritional value of crops and will significantly reduce crop yields, the report said.” Read the article in its entirety here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/08/ipcc-un-food-security/
FFT: Farmers & Ranchers Sign-On Letter RE USMCA
Farmers For Free Trade (FFT) has launched a sign-on letter to Congress from farmers, ranchers, and other individuals in ag business owners and employees in support of the USMCA. The letter will be held open at least through the month of July. Visit their site to sign on to the letter or access it by texting “USMCA Letter” to 52886.
FFAR has Launched the Plant Protein Enhancement Project
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Crops of the Future Collaborative (COTF) announced Wednesday, August the 7th, the launch of the Plant Protein Enhancement Project to help make plant-based protein more available and affordable. The goal of the Project is to fund competitive research grants that is working to improve yields, characteristics, and the total protein content of plants used for human consumption. Applications are available on the FFAR website and require a minimum request of $300,000.
Emerging Leaders in Food & Ag Conference – November 4-5, 2019
The Emerging Leaders in Food & Ag conference is a two-day event in Denver, Colorado designed to train, connect, and celebrate up-and-coming leaders in the food and agriculture sectors. The first day features an all-day industry tour followed by an evening awards ceremony and reception honoring the Top 20 Emerging Leaders in Food & Ag. Day 2 is a full day of industry learning, professional development and networking. For more information on the conference, visit www.emergingleadersfa.com. To nominate a leader in Food & Ag, visit: https://emergingleadersfa.com/awards/.
Source: National Association of Wheat Growers