New Zealand seed growers may lose market advantage to other producers if it fails to evolve the regulatory framework that governs emerging genetic technologies, Bayer’s global head of vegetable research and development says.
JD Rossouw, in his only interview while visiting growers in NZ recently, told the Farmers Weekly In Focus podcast that gene editing was driving the development of new varieties that are more climate resilient and grower friendly, and meet consumer demands.
“The space of genetic improvement and plant breeding probably had more changes and opportunities for new technologies the last five to seven years than what you’ve see in the previous 15 years,” he said.
“So the pace of innovation across the industry and across the public and private sectors is ramping up in a significant way, which means we’re able to implement more technologies to really get better products to growers, and that’s the main focus.
“The upside to it is the opportunity for growers to experience crops and products that are more profitable, more sustainable or environmentally friendly, and also helping them navigate climate change and extreme weather conditions as they ramp up around the world.”
Rossouw said some new varieties – seedless fruit, for example – use gene editing techniques, which means growers in other nations might gain a market advantage over NZ growers who are currently not allowed to grow them.
“Every country is different. The New Zealand market for us is very small, but it’s really, really important, especially the fact that it’s an export market, and it’s highly valuable from a grower profitability perspective.
“So for those reasons, the New Zealand market will always be attractive for us at Bayer, even if it’s a small part of our global business.
“I think that New Zealand needs to be proactive and try to figure out how to unlock the opportunities to bring R&D innovation to growers.”
Rossouw said NZ growers are eager to incorporate the innovative crops out there into their own businesses.
“What I’ve learnt is that New Zealand farmers are very innovative and they really embrace new technologies, specifically if it opens up the opportunities for them to be more profitable, more environmentally responsible.”
In Focus Podcast | Genetic technologies drive new vegetable seed varieties
Bryan talks with Bayer’s global head of research and development JD Roussouw, in his only NZ interview, about how new genetic technologies are transforming seed production and how our strict regulations may hamper our ability to compete.