AgResearch scientists will be showcasing genetic technologies while also gauging people’s feelings about their use when it fronts up at National Fieldays.
Technologies such as genetic modification (GM) and gene editing (GEd) have been the subject of debate for decades, and recently there have been calls for changes to regulation to allow their greater use in New Zealand.
The coalition government has signalled that a process to change the laws around use of these technologies is likely to begin later this year, with the introduction of legislation to Parliament.
In the area of farming and food production, work has been underway in NZ – largely confined to labs or glasshouses due to current regulations – to look at the potential of GM or GEd to provide enhanced pasture for increased productivity, animal health, and reduced environmental impacts.
“We see the National Fieldays as a great opportunity to talk directly to farmers and other visitors about the work that is going on, and what the opportunities and risks are,” AgResearch chief scientist Axel Heiser said.
“We know that having acceptance from farmers who may use the modified pasture, and other affected communities in New Zealand, will be critical as the landscape changes for use of these technologies.
“We’ll be doing an informal poll to gauge people’s thoughts on the issues. Additionally, the personal conversations we have with visitors will be extremely valuable.”
The work AgResearch is doing with commercial partners on GM and GEd technologies includes the modification of ryegrass and clover by introducing genes from other plants.
High metabolisable energy (HME) ryegrass is seen as having potential to reduce methane emissions from livestock by more than 10%, as is the high-condensed tannins white clover, which is also expected to reduce the incidence of bloat in livestock, a condition that can result in serious harm or death.
“We know climate change and building climate resilience is front of mind for many people now, so if there are further tools science can deliver to farmers to help with this, then it’s important we keep working at it,” Heiser said.
In another programme using these technologies, endophytes (fungi) that live inside ryegrass are being gene-edited to maximise their ability to deter insect pests, while also reducing the toxicity they can sometimes cause in animals feeding on the endophyte-containing ryegrass.
AgResearch will this year be sharing a stand at Fieldays with another Crown Research Institute, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research.
Another feature will be research on the practice of deferred grazing and the proven benefits it can offer livestock farmers, with some interactive elements for visitors to the stand.