Grainnet

Manhattan—Wheat growers around the country should be watching their mailboxes for a petition survey seeking their opinions about deploying biotechnology traits in wheat.

The survey, which was released the week of Dec. 28, has been commissioned by the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and is intended to measure and document the level of support for biotech trait commercialization among wheat growers.

Growers receiving the mailing will get a packet containing a cover letter, a copy of petition language and a response card they should mail back as soon as possible.

Responses are requested by Jan. 19.

“The petition is designed to document the depth and breadth of support for biotechnology among wheat producers,” said Daren Coppock, NAWG’s chief executive officer.

“Anecdotally, we’re convinced the support is there – this petition will either confirm or confront that belief.”

“By reading the petition and responding with their support, growers can help our industry show biotech companies that they are smart to make the commitment of time and resources and bring this tool to growers,” Coppock added.

Dusti Fritz, Kansas Wheat CEO, says the petition helps biotech companies gauge the support of biotech improvements in wheat.

“Farmer support of biotechnology gives industry the confidence to devote significant resources in biotechnology for wheat and, as a result, will give farmers additional tools to combat drought, pests and weeds,” she said.

“We urge farmers to take a few minutes to fill out this survey because biotechnology will be one of the top issues facing our industry in the coming years.”

Acreage planted to wheat in the United States has steadily declined for the past 30 years, particularly as other crops that have access to biotech traits have competed for producer interest and delivered greater returns.

NAWG and many other groups in the “wheat chain” believe biotechnology will be a key component in the future competitiveness of wheat as a crop by providing a variety of agronomic and, eventually, consumer advantages.

The initial focus in wheat is on traits that will make the crop more competitive in terms of net revenue per acre, such as drought tolerance, heat tolerance, cold tolerance, disease resistance and nitrogen-use efficiency, Coppock added.

For more information on the survey and to read the full petition, visit NAWG’s biotechnology page.

For more information, call 202-547-7800.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• National Assn. of Wheat Growers
• Kansas Wheat

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