NORTH AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL …nabc.cals.cornell.edu/Publications/NewsArchive/NABCnews...NORTH...
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N ORTH A MERICAN A GRICULTURAL B IOTECHNOLOGY C OUNCIL 1 Ralph W. F. Hardy, President Allan Eaglesham, Executive Director Susanne Lipari, Executive Coordinator B15 Boyce Thompson Institute Ithaca, NY 14853 607-254-4856 fax-254-8680 [email protected] http://nabc.cals.cornell.edu/ Letter from the Chair.... • provide an open forum for persons with different interests and concerns to come together to speak, to listen, to learn, and to participate in meaningful dialogue and evaluation of the potential impacts of agricultural biotechnology • define issues and public policy options related to biotechnology in the food, ag- ricultural, biobased industrial product, and environmental areas • promote increased understanding of the scientific, economic, legislative, and social issues associated with agricultural biotech- nology by compiling and disseminating information to interested people • facilitate active communication among researchers, administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and other concerned people to ensure that all viewpoints contribute to the safe, efficacious and equitable de- velopment of biotechnology for the benefit of society • sponsor meetings and workshops and publish and distribute reports that provide a foundation for addressing issues. NABC’S PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES ARE TO: NEWS NEWS Spring 2013 No. 46 NABC NABC Providing an open forum for exploring issues in agricultural biotechnology Graham G. Scoles Graham G. Scoles NABC Chair 2012─2013 NABC Chair 2012─2013 A A 1906 statement attributed to Luther 1906 statement attributed to Luther Burbank—“We have recently ad- Burbank—“We have recently ad- vanced our knowledge of genetics to the vanced our knowledge of genetics to the point where we can manipulate life in a way point where we can manipulate life in a way never intended by nature…we must proceed never intended by nature…we must proceed with the utmost caution in the application of with the utmost caution in the application of this new found knowledge”—has often been this new found knowledge”—has often been used by those of us offering presentations used by those of us offering presentations on GMOs as evidence that new technologies on GMOs as evidence that new technologies are often accompanied by concerns that, are often accompanied by concerns that, while needing to be considered, are often while needing to be considered, are often unfounded. In different times, a quote such unfounded. In different times, a quote such as this could well have led to significant as this could well have led to significant regulatory oversight of plant breeding with regulatory oversight of plant breeding with adverse impacts on crop development. adverse impacts on crop development. Similar concerns may have been expressed Similar concerns may have been expressed when plant breeders began to make use of when plant breeders began to make use of interspecific crosses as sources of desirable interspecific crosses as sources of desirable genes or when plant breeders made use of genes or when plant breeders made use of mutation as a source of variation. However, mutation as a source of variation. However, in the early 20th century, scientists were in the early 20th century, scientists were respected and trusted and looked up to; ap- respected and trusted and looked up to; ap- plying science to increase food production plying science to increase food production was not only accepted but even sometimes was not only accepted but even sometimes celebrated. As late as 1967, plant breeders’ celebrated. As late as 1967, plant breeders’ efforts with respect to triticale were featured efforts with respect to triticale were featured in the in the Star Trek Star Trek episode “The Trouble with episode “The Trouble with Tribbles” in which the tribbles consumed a Tribbles” in which the tribbles consumed a cargo of the super grain “quadrotriticale.” cargo of the super grain “quadrotriticale.” Rachel Carson’s Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring Silent Spring, one of the , one of the first books to question the application of first books to question the application of science and the role of scientists in a rapidly science and the role of scientists in a rapidly developing world, was only then becoming developing world, was only then becoming widely read. widely read. When genetic engineering of crops When genetic engineering of crops became a reality and products started to became a reality and products started to come close to market, the world was a very come close to market, the world was a very different place. Those in the western world different place. Those in the western world were concerned with the environmental were concerned with the environmental effects of western advances. They had effects of western advances. They had the luxury to be more concerned about the luxury to be more concerned about their food than ever before (and had also their food than ever before (and had also been exposed to various food scares, been exposed to various food scares, particularly in Europe, such as BSE and particularly in Europe, such as BSE and dioxin contamination of feed). Groups dioxin contamination of feed). Groups such as Greenpeace and Friends of the such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth had developed to coordinate efforts Earth had developed to coordinate efforts around their various agendas; the mass around their various agendas; the mass media jumped on controversial issues such media jumped on controversial issues such as GMOs to promote higher readerships as GMOs to promote higher readerships and, finally, email and the Internet allowed and, finally, email and the Internet allowed rapid communication with less scrutiny rapid communication with less scrutiny of facts than ever before. As a result, of facts than ever before. As a result, governments felt pressured to step in and governments felt pressured to step in and regulate the new technology of genetic regulate the new technology of genetic engineering in new ways. engineering in new ways. After 15 years of being planted on ever- After 15 years of being planted on ever- increasing acreages in both the developed increasing acreages in both the developed and developing worlds, there is no evidence and developing worlds, there is no evidence that genetically engineered crops pose any that genetically engineered crops pose any risk to the environment or to the consumers risk to the environment or to the consumers of their products. However, in North of their products. However, in North America a regulatory system established America a regulatory system established many years ago, when such concerns were many years ago, when such concerns were more prominent, remains in place. With more prominent, remains in place. With some recent exceptions, only five large- some recent exceptions, only five large- acreage North American crops have been acreage North American crops have been taken through the regulatory system and taken through the regulatory system and commercialized by a few multi-national commercialized by a few multi-national agricultural biotechnology companies. agricultural biotechnology companies. While public polls show that concerns While public polls show that concerns about GMOs have declined, some about GMOs have declined, some opposition continues. If one digs deeper opposition continues. If one digs deeper into the motivation of the strong opponents into the motivation of the strong opponents of GMOs, it becomes clear that their of GMOs, it becomes clear that their concerns are less related to environmental concerns are less related to environmental issues and safety and more related to issues and safety and more related to the fact that only products developed the fact that only products developed by the large agricultural biotechnology by the large agricultural biotechnology companies have made it to market. In a companies have made it to market. In a sense, GMOs are seen as an Achilles heel sense, GMOs are seen as an Achilles heel by which to attack companies that have by which to attack companies that have been successful in commercializing this been successful in commercializing this continued on page 10 continued on page 10
Transcript of NORTH AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL …nabc.cals.cornell.edu/Publications/NewsArchive/NABCnews...NORTH...
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Ralph W. F. Hardy, PresidentAllan Eaglesham, Executive Director
Susanne Lipari, Executive CoordinatorB15 Boyce Thompson Institute
Ithaca, NY 14853607-254-4856 fax-254-8680
[email protected]://nabc.cals.cornell.edu/
Letter from the Chair....
• provide an open forum for persons with different interests and concerns to come together to speak, to listen, to learn, and to participate in meaningful dialogue and eva luation of the potential impacts of agricultural biotechnology
• define issues and public policy options related to biotechnology in the food, ag-ricultural, biobased industrial product, and environmental areas
• promote increased understanding of the scientific, economic, legislative, and social issues associated with agricultural biotech-nol ogy by compiling and disseminating information to interested people
• facilitate active communication among researchers, administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and other concerned people to ensure that all viewpoints contribute to the safe, efficacious and equitable de-velopment of biotech nology for the benefit of society
• sponsor meetings and workshops and publish and distribute reports that provide a foundation for addressing issues.
NABC’S PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES ARE TO:
NEWSNEWSSpring 2013 No. 46
NABCNABC
P r o v i d i n g a n o p e n f o r u m f o r e x p l o r i n g i s s u e s i n
a g r i c u l t u r a l b i o t e c h n o l o g y
Graham G. ScolesGraham G. ScolesNABC Chair 2012─2013NABC Chair 2012─2013
A A 1906 statement attributed to Luther 1906 statement attributed to Luther Burbank—“We have recently ad-Burbank—“We have recently ad-
vanced our knowledge of genetics to the vanced our knowledge of genetics to the point where we can manipulate life in a way point where we can manipulate life in a way never intended by nature…we must proceed never intended by nature…we must proceed with the utmost caution in the application of with the utmost caution in the application of this new found knowledge”—has often been this new found knowledge”—has often been used by those of us offering presentations used by those of us offering presentations on GMOs as evidence that new technologies on GMOs as evidence that new technologies are often accompanied by concerns that, are often accompanied by concerns that, while needing to be considered, are often while needing to be considered, are often unfounded. In different times, a quote such unfounded. In different times, a quote such as this could well have led to significant as this could well have led to significant regulatory oversight of plant breeding with regulatory oversight of plant breeding with adverse impacts on crop development. adverse impacts on crop development. Similar concerns may have been expressed Similar concerns may have been expressed when plant breeders began to make use of when plant breeders began to make use of interspecific crosses as sources of desirable interspecific crosses as sources of desirable genes or when plant breeders made use of genes or when plant breeders made use of mutation as a source of variation. However, mutation as a source of variation. However, in the early 20th century, scientists were in the early 20th century, scientists were respected and trusted and looked up to; ap-respected and trusted and looked up to; ap-plying science to increase food production plying science to increase food production was not only accepted but even sometimes was not only accepted but even sometimes celebrated. As late as 1967, plant breeders’ celebrated. As late as 1967, plant breeders’ efforts with respect to triticale were featured efforts with respect to triticale were featured in the in the Star Trek Star Trek episode “The Trouble with episode “The Trouble with Tribbles” in which the tribbles consumed a Tribbles” in which the tribbles consumed a cargo of the super grain “quadrotriticale.” cargo of the super grain “quadrotriticale.” Rachel Carson’s Rachel Carson’s Silent SpringSilent Spring, one of the , one of the first books to question the application of first books to question the application of science and the role of scientists in a rapidly science and the role of scientists in a rapidly developing world, was only then becoming developing world, was only then becoming widely read.widely read.
When genetic engineering of crops When genetic engineering of crops became a reality and products started to became a reality and products started to come close to market, the world was a very come close to market, the world was a very different place. Those in the western world different place. Those in the western world were concerned with the environmental were concerned with the environmental effects of western advances. They had effects of western advances. They had the luxury to be more concerned about the luxury to be more concerned about their food than ever before (and had also their food than ever before (and had also been exposed to various food scares, been exposed to various food scares, particularly in Europe, such as BSE and particularly in Europe, such as BSE and dioxin contamination of feed). Groups dioxin contamination of feed). Groups such as Greenpeace and Friends of the such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth had developed to coordinate efforts Earth had developed to coordinate efforts around their various agendas; the mass around their various agendas; the mass media jumped on controversial issues such media jumped on controversial issues such as GMOs to promote higher readerships as GMOs to promote higher readerships and, finally, email and the Internet allowed and, finally, email and the Internet allowed
rapid communication with less scrutiny rapid communication with less scrutiny of facts than ever before. As a result, of facts than ever before. As a result, governments felt pressured to step in and governments felt pressured to step in and regulate the new technology of genetic regulate the new technology of genetic engineering in new ways.engineering in new ways.
After 15 years of being planted on ever-After 15 years of being planted on ever-increasing acreages in both the developed increasing acreages in both the developed and developing worlds, there is no evidence and developing worlds, there is no evidence that genetically engineered crops pose any that genetically engineered crops pose any risk to the environment or to the consumers risk to the environment or to the consumers of their products. However, in North of their products. However, in North America a regulatory system established America a regulatory system established many years ago, when such concerns were many years ago, when such concerns were more prominent, remains in place. With more prominent, remains in place. With some recent exceptions, only five large-some recent exceptions, only five large-acreage North American crops have been acreage North American crops have been taken through the regulatory system and taken through the regulatory system and commercialized by a few multi-national commercialized by a few multi-national agricultural biotechnology companies.agricultural biotechnology companies.
While public polls show that concerns While public polls show that concerns about GMOs have declined, some about GMOs have declined, some opposition continues. If one digs deeper opposition continues. If one digs deeper into the motivation of the strong opponents into the motivation of the strong opponents of GMOs, it becomes clear that their of GMOs, it becomes clear that their concerns are less related to environmental concerns are less related to environmental issues and safety and more related to issues and safety and more related to the fact that only products developed the fact that only products developed by the large agricultural biotechnology by the large agricultural biotechnology companies have made it to market. In a companies have made it to market. In a sense, GMOs are seen as an Achilles heel sense, GMOs are seen as an Achilles heel by which to attack companies that have by which to attack companies that have been successful in commercializing this been successful in commercializing this
continued on page 10continued on page 10
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Keynote PresentationsKeynote Presentations• Roger BeachyRoger Beachy, , President Emeritus, Donald Danforth President Emeritus, Donald Danforth
Plant Science CenterPlant Science Center• Brett GiroirBrett Giroir, , Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives,
Texas A&M University SystemTexas A&M University System• Todd StaplesTodd Staples, , Commissioner, Texas Department of Commissioner, Texas Department of
AgricultureAgricultureSession 1: Meeting OverviewSession 1: Meeting Overview
• Approved Uses–Papaya; Squash; Sweet Corn—Approved Uses–Papaya; Squash; Sweet Corn—Dennis Dennis GonsalvesGonsalves, , Director, USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Director, USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research CenterResearch Center
• Benefits/Examples and Limitations—Benefits/Examples and Limitations—Tony SheltonTony Shelton, , Professor, Department of EntomologyProfessor, Department of Entomology, , Cornell UniversityCornell University
• Concerns—Concerns—Gregory Jaffe, Gregory Jaffe, Director, Biotechnology Director, Biotechnology Project,Project, Center for Science in the Public InterestCenter for Science in the Public Interest
Session 2: Case StudiesSession 2: Case Studies• Citrus-Greening Resistance—Citrus-Greening Resistance—Ricke KressRicke Kress, , PresidentPresident,,
Southern GardensSouthern Gardens• Non-Browning Apples—Non-Browning Apples—Neal CarterNeal Carter, , PresidentPresident, ,
Okanagan Specialty FruitsOkanagan Specialty Fruits• Bringing Biotech Potatoes to Market—Bringing Biotech Potatoes to Market—Haven BakerHaven Baker, ,
Vice President of Marketing InitiativesVice President of Marketing Initiatives, , JR SimplottJR Simplott• Vegetable Case Study—Vegetable Case Study—John PurcellJohn Purcell, , Vice President of Vice President of
Technology DevelopmentTechnology Development, , MonsantoMonsantoSession 3: The Regulatory Process and Technology Access for Session 3: The Regulatory Process and Technology Access for Specialty CropsSpecialty Crops
• EPA—EPA—Chris WozniakChris Wozniak, , Biotechnology Special Assistant, Biotechnology Special Assistant, U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• USDA/APHIS/BRS Regulations—USDA/APHIS/BRS Regulations—Michael GregoireMichael Gregoire, , Deputy Administrator, USDA/APHIS Biotechnology Deputy Administrator, USDA/APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory ServicesRegulatory Services
• FDA—FDA—Robert MerkerRobert Merker, , Supervisory Consumer Safety Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer, FDA/Center for Food Safety and Applied Officer, FDA/Center for Food Safety and Applied NutritionNutrition
• CFIA-Canada—CFIA-Canada—Patricia McAllisterPatricia McAllister, , Acting National Acting National Manager, Plant Biosafety Office, Canadian Food Manager, Plant Biosafety Office, Canadian Food Inspection AgencyInspection Agency
• Regulatory Deregulation Process—Regulatory Deregulation Process—Scott ThenellScott Thenell, O, Owner wner and Principal Consultant, Thenell & Associates LLCand Principal Consultant, Thenell & Associates LLC
• Cultural Shift—Cultural Shift—Peter SchuermanPeter Schuerman, , Director of Director of Innovation Management, Texas A&M AgriLife ResearchInnovation Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• PIPRA—PIPRA—Alan BennettAlan Bennett, , Executive Director, Public Executive Director, Public Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture, Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture, University of California-DavisUniversity of California-Davis
Session 4: Perspectives from Relevant GroupsSession 4: Perspectives from Relevant Groups• Producers/Growers—Producers/Growers—J Allan CarnesJ Allan Carnes, , MayorMayor, , Uvalde, Uvalde,
TexasTexas• Establishing Risk/Benefit Analyses for GE Specialty Establishing Risk/Benefit Analyses for GE Specialty
Crops—Crops—Thomas RedickThomas Redick, , Global Environmental Ethics Global Environmental Ethics CounselCounsel
• SWOT Analysis of Texas Vegetable and Fruit Industry—SWOT Analysis of Texas Vegetable and Fruit Industry—Bill McCutchenBill McCutchen, , Executive Associate DirectorExecutive Associate Director, , Texas Texas A&M AgriLife ResearchA&M AgriLife Research
• Specialty Crops Regulatory Assistance—Specialty Crops Regulatory Assistance—Alan Alan McHughenMcHughen,, CE Plant Biotechologist, University of CE Plant Biotechologist, University of California-RiversideCalifornia-Riverside
• Human Health Benefits from Specialty-Crop Foods—Human Health Benefits from Specialty-Crop Foods—Mary Ann LilaMary Ann Lila, , Director, Plants for Human Health Director, Plants for Human Health InstituteInstitute, , North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University
• Synthetic Genomics—Synthetic Genomics—Jim FlattJim Flatt, , Chief Technology Chief Technology OfficerOfficer, , Synthetic GenomicsSynthetic Genomics
Session 5: Next StepsSession 5: Next Steps• Welcome and Breakout Reports—Welcome and Breakout Reports—Steve PueppkeSteve Pueppke,,
Associate Vice-President for Research & Graduate Associate Vice-President for Research & Graduate StudiesStudies, , Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University
• Panel Discussion—Panel Discussion—Steve PueppkeSteve Pueppke, , Bill McCutchenBill McCutchen, , Tony SheltonTony Shelton and and Gregory JaffeGregory Jaffe
NABC 25—Mark Your CalendarsNABC 25—Mark Your CalendarsBiotechnology and North American Specialty Crops:Biotechnology and North American Specialty Crops:
Linking Research, Regulation and StakeholdersLinking Research, Regulation and StakeholdersJune 4–6, 2013June 4–6, 2013
College Station, TexasCollege Station, Texas
Heather HirschHeather HirschTexas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University
TTexas A&M AgriLife Research is proud to host NABC 25 at Texas A&M University, June 4–6, 2013. The conference—at the George exas A&M AgriLife Research is proud to host NABC 25 at Texas A&M University, June 4–6, 2013. The conference—at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station—will bring together government officials, academic researchers and industry leaders to Bush Presidential Library in College Station—will bring together government officials, academic researchers and industry leaders to
discuss the roles of regulatory policy, genomic sciences and related topics in an attempt to catalyze progress and realize opportunities for discuss the roles of regulatory policy, genomic sciences and related topics in an attempt to catalyze progress and realize opportunities for improving agriculture, especially as it relates to specialty crops. There will be three keynote addresses and five plenary sessions and. After improving agriculture, especially as it relates to specialty crops. There will be three keynote addresses and five plenary sessions and. After each session, Q&A panels will allow audience members to engage with the speakers.each session, Q&A panels will allow audience members to engage with the speakers.
We are pleased to share our outstanding line-up of speakers:We are pleased to share our outstanding line-up of speakers:
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RegistrationRegistrationTake advantage of the early-bird rate of $275. Take advantage of the early-bird rate of $275. We suggest early We suggest early registration as participation will be limited to 300 registrantsregistration as participation will be limited to 300 registrants, , via http://nabc25.tamu.edu/. The late fee of $350 will apply from via http://nabc25.tamu.edu/. The late fee of $350 will apply from May 1, 2013. Students will receive a discounted registration rate May 1, 2013. Students will receive a discounted registration rate at $175. The registration fee will cover: refreshments at all breaks, at $175. The registration fee will cover: refreshments at all breaks, two breakfasts, two lunches, the evening reception, and the aggie two breakfasts, two lunches, the evening reception, and the aggie prime rib dinner.prime rib dinner.
AccommodationAccommodationConference participants should take advantage of special room Conference participants should take advantage of special room rates that have been reserved at Hawthorn Suites and Hyatt rates that have been reserved at Hawthorn Suites and Hyatt Place for $120/night. These lodgings are adjacent to one another Place for $120/night. These lodgings are adjacent to one another and NABC guests may take advantage of the amenities at either and NABC guests may take advantage of the amenities at either property. For your convenience, we will provide bus transportation property. For your convenience, we will provide bus transportation to and from the hotel/conference. Additional information and rate to and from the hotel/conference. Additional information and rate codes are available via codes are available via http://nabc25.tamu.edu/.http://nabc25.tamu.edu/.
Student VoiceStudent VoiceThe The Student VoiceStudent Voice program has become important in attracting program has become important in attracting graduate students to participate in NABC conferences. NABC graduate students to participate in NABC conferences. NABC council members are urged to identify students interested in council members are urged to identify students interested in participating. One student from each member institution will participating. One student from each member institution will receive a complimentary registration and up to US$750 from receive a complimentary registration and up to US$750 from NABC to help defray travel and lodging expenses (http://nabc.cals.NABC to help defray travel and lodging expenses (http://nabc.cals.cornell.edu/studentvoice/index.cfm). cornell.edu/studentvoice/index.cfm). Student VoiceStudent Voice delegates will delegates will attend the plenary sessions and meet after Session 4 to identify attend the plenary sessions and meet after Session 4 to identify issues and emerging themes. Their insights will be reported at the issues and emerging themes. Their insights will be reported at the wrap-up session and published in wrap-up session and published in NABC Report 25NABC Report 25..■■
Questions, comments and suggestions may be directed toQuestions, comments and suggestions may be directed toRusty CarterRusty Carter
Texas A&M AgriLife Research–Corporate RelationsTexas A&M AgriLife Research–Corporate [email protected]@tamu.edu
979-845-4272979-845-4272
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Keynote Speakers
Brett GiroirBrett Giroir is vice chancellor for strategic initiatives for the Texas A&M University System and principal is vice chancellor for strategic initiatives for the Texas A&M University System and principal investigator for the Texas A&M Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing. The lat-investigator for the Texas A&M Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing. The lat-ter is a public-private partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services designed to enhance ter is a public-private partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services designed to enhance the nation’s emergency preparedness against emerging infectious diseases, including pandemic influenza, and the nation’s emergency preparedness against emerging infectious diseases, including pandemic influenza, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
He is a former director of the Defense Sciences Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency He is a former director of the Defense Sciences Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and chair of the chemical and biological defense panel for the threat reduction advisory committee (DARPA) and chair of the chemical and biological defense panel for the threat reduction advisory committee (TRAC) for the US Department of Defense.(TRAC) for the US Department of Defense.
Dr. Giroir received his undergraduate education at Harvard University and his medical training at the Dr. Giroir received his undergraduate education at Harvard University and his medical training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He has published frequently in basic science and as a clinical University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He has published frequently in basic science and as a clinical investigator, and currently holds professorships at the Texas A&M Colleges of Medicine and Engineering and investigator, and currently holds professorships at the Texas A&M Colleges of Medicine and Engineering and
has an adjunct appointment at the Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service. He is the recipient of the Texas has an adjunct appointment at the Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service. He is the recipient of the Texas A&M System Award for Innovation and the US Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.A&M System Award for Innovation and the US Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.■■
Roger Beachy,Roger Beachy, president emeritus of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, was the first director president emeritus of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, was the first director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Prior to this appointment, he served as the found-of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Prior to this appointment, he served as the found-ing president of the Danforth Center. ing president of the Danforth Center.
From 1991 to 1998, he headed the Division of Plant Biology at The Scripps Research Institute. He was also From 1991 to 1998, he headed the Division of Plant Biology at The Scripps Research Institute. He was also professor and Scripps Family Chair in Cell Biology and co-director of the International Laboratory for Tropical professor and Scripps Family Chair in Cell Biology and co-director of the International Laboratory for Tropical Agricultural Biotechnology at Scripps. From 1978 to 1991, he was a member of the Biology Department at Agricultural Biotechnology at Scripps. From 1978 to 1991, he was a member of the Biology Department at Washington University in St. Louis, where he was professor and director of the Center for Plant Science and Washington University in St. Louis, where he was professor and director of the Center for Plant Science and Biotechnology. His research has produced more than 230 journal publications in virology and virus pathology, and Biotechnology. His research has produced more than 230 journal publications in virology and virus pathology, and regulation of gene expression in plants.regulation of gene expression in plants.
Dr. Beachy is a member of the US National Academy of Sciences and in 2001 received the Wolf Prize in Dr. Beachy is a member of the US National Academy of Sciences and in 2001 received the Wolf Prize in Agriculture. He is a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Microbiology, Agriculture. He is a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Microbiology, the National Academy of Science India, the Indian National Science Academy, and the Academy of Science of St. Louis.the National Academy of Science India, the Indian National Science Academy, and the Academy of Science of St. Louis.
He holds a PhD in plant pathology from Michigan State University and a BA in biology from Goshen College.He holds a PhD in plant pathology from Michigan State University and a BA in biology from Goshen College.■■
From his earliest days of public service Agriculture Commissioner From his earliest days of public service Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples Todd Staples has championed such critical has championed such critical issues as protection of private property owners’ rights, workers’ compensation reform, school finance reform and issues as protection of private property owners’ rights, workers’ compensation reform, school finance reform and improving the education of Texas’ leaders of tomorrow. As head of the Texas Department of Agriculture, he is improving the education of Texas’ leaders of tomorrow. As head of the Texas Department of Agriculture, he is diligent in his efforts to support private-sector job creation and economic development across the state; improve diligent in his efforts to support private-sector job creation and economic development across the state; improve consumer protection from the grocery store to the gas pump; lead true eminent-domain reform; and improve the consumer protection from the grocery store to the gas pump; lead true eminent-domain reform; and improve the healthy lifestyles of young Texans. He is also focused on the promotion of agricultural products and businesses healthy lifestyles of young Texans. He is also focused on the promotion of agricultural products and businesses using the GO TEXAN marketing program, and has expanded trade opportunities for Texan producers. He has using the GO TEXAN marketing program, and has expanded trade opportunities for Texan producers. He has accomplished these priorities with a philosophy that puts family and taxpayer interests first while focusing on accomplished these priorities with a philosophy that puts family and taxpayer interests first while focusing on efficiency.efficiency.
Mr. Staples has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. He began Mr. Staples has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. He began serving in public office in 1989 when he was elected to the Palestine city council. In 1995 he was elected state representative and served serving in public office in 1989 when he was elected to the Palestine city council. In 1995 he was elected state representative and served three terms in the Texas House before being elected state senator in 2000, serving two terms. His public service continues today as three terms in the Texas House before being elected state senator in 2000, serving two terms. His public service continues today as agriculture commissioner. Following his first election in 2006, he was re-elected to a second term in 2010.agriculture commissioner. Following his first election in 2006, he was re-elected to a second term in 2010.■■
The Student Voice at NABCTTRAVEL STIPEND AND FREE REGISTRATION TO ATTEND NABC 25RAVEL STIPEND AND FREE REGISTRATION TO ATTEND NABC 25
FFOR ONE GRADUATE STUDENT FROM EACH NABC MEMBER INSTITUTIONOR ONE GRADUATE STUDENT FROM EACH NABC MEMBER INSTITUTION
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Alan Bennett Alan Bennett is professor of plant sciences at the University of California, Davis. He earned BS and PhD de-is professor of plant sciences at the University of California, Davis. He earned BS and PhD de-grees in plant biology at UC Davis and Cornell University, respectively, and has over 160 publications. His research grees in plant biology at UC Davis and Cornell University, respectively, and has over 160 publications. His research has focused on molecular biology of tomato-fruit development and ripening; cell-wall disassembly; and intellectual has focused on molecular biology of tomato-fruit development and ripening; cell-wall disassembly; and intellectual property rights in agriculture. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a senior property rights in agriculture. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a senior fellow of the California Council for Science and Technology. He has also served in a range of leadership positions at fellow of the California Council for Science and Technology. He has also served in a range of leadership positions at the University of California, including department chair, divisional associate dean in the College of Agricultural and the University of California, including department chair, divisional associate dean in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC system-wide executive director of research administration and technology transfer, and Environmental Sciences, UC system-wide executive director of research administration and technology transfer, and associate vice chancellor for research at Davis. In these capacities, he has been responsible for research and teaching associate vice chancellor for research at Davis. In these capacities, he has been responsible for research and teaching budgets, for establishing and overseeing research policy, and for the management of a portfolio of over 5,000 patented budgets, for establishing and overseeing research policy, and for the management of a portfolio of over 5,000 patented
inventions, 700 active licenses and revenue in excess of $350 million.inventions, 700 active licenses and revenue in excess of $350 million.In 2004, Dr. Bennett founded the Public Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture (PIPRA) to accelerate the deployment of public-In 2004, Dr. Bennett founded the Public Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture (PIPRA) to accelerate the deployment of public-
sector technologies for specialty and subsistence crops in developing countries. PIPRA has been supported by the Rockefeller and Bill & sector technologies for specialty and subsistence crops in developing countries. PIPRA has been supported by the Rockefeller and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations as well as by numerous government agencies and private companies.Melinda Gates Foundations as well as by numerous government agencies and private companies.■■
J Allan CarnesJ Allan Carnes is the managing partner of Winter Garden Produce, LLC, and vice president of the family farming is the managing partner of Winter Garden Produce, LLC, and vice president of the family farming operations at Carnes Farms. The family operations grow and ship fifteen hundred acres of vegetables annually, and have operations at Carnes Farms. The family operations grow and ship fifteen hundred acres of vegetables annually, and have been in existence for over 60 years. He is a past president of the Texas Vegetable Association and he has been involved been in existence for over 60 years. He is a past president of the Texas Vegetable Association and he has been involved in agricultural issues on both the state and federal levels. He is active in food-safety legislation, labor and immigration in agricultural issues on both the state and federal levels. He is active in food-safety legislation, labor and immigration debates, and multiple water issues.debates, and multiple water issues.
He serves on a Rural Advisory Committee under the Texas Department of Agriculture and on the United Fresh Produce He serves on a Rural Advisory Committee under the Texas Department of Agriculture and on the United Fresh Produce government relation board. He has been a director with the Texas Produce Association, South Texas Onion Committee and government relation board. He has been a director with the Texas Produce Association, South Texas Onion Committee and the National Council of Agriculture Employers. Besides his work on agricultural issues, J is currently the mayor of the city the National Council of Agriculture Employers. Besides his work on agricultural issues, J is currently the mayor of the city of Uvalde, before which he served on the city council for four years.of Uvalde, before which he served on the city council for four years.■■
Haven Baker Haven Baker is the vice president of new market initiatives at the JR Simplot Company, a $4.5 billion private is the vice president of new market initiatives at the JR Simplot Company, a $4.5 billion private corporation with fertilizer, food and livestock divisions. At Simplot, Haven works on identifying and commercial-corporation with fertilizer, food and livestock divisions. At Simplot, Haven works on identifying and commercial-izing new technologies and opportunities across the agricultural space. He is the general manager of Simplot’s izing new technologies and opportunities across the agricultural space. He is the general manager of Simplot’s plant-sciences business.plant-sciences business.
Dr. Baker has significant experience in the biotechnology industry, including working with several start-ups and Dr. Baker has significant experience in the biotechnology industry, including working with several start-ups and managing a proteomics research lab at the Barnett Institute in Boston. Prior to joining Simplot, he also worked as managing a proteomics research lab at the Barnett Institute in Boston. Prior to joining Simplot, he also worked as an investment professional at Clarium, a global-macro hedge-fund company in New York.an investment professional at Clarium, a global-macro hedge-fund company in New York.
Haven has a BS from Yale, a PhD in chemistry from Northeastern University, and an MBA from Harvard Business Haven has a BS from Yale, a PhD in chemistry from Northeastern University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. At Harvard, he worked with Clayton Christianson on concepts developed for the Social Innovation Fund.School. At Harvard, he worked with Clayton Christianson on concepts developed for the Social Innovation Fund.■■
Plenary Speakers
Neal CarterNeal Carter is president and founder of Okanagan Specialty Fruits™ (OSF), a biotechnology company special- is president and founder of Okanagan Specialty Fruits™ (OSF), a biotechnology company special-izing in the creation of novel tree-fruit varieties. Outside of OSF, he and his wife, Louisa, grow and pack apples izing in the creation of novel tree-fruit varieties. Outside of OSF, he and his wife, Louisa, grow and pack apples and cherries from their orchard in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. For nearly 30 years, Neal has worked with and cherries from their orchard in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. For nearly 30 years, Neal has worked with numerous crops as a bioresource engineer around the globe, ranging from maize to mango, from growing to harvest-numerous crops as a bioresource engineer around the globe, ranging from maize to mango, from growing to harvest-ing, packing, storage, processing and packaging. It was through this firsthand experience that he was persuaded that ing, packing, storage, processing and packaging. It was through this firsthand experience that he was persuaded that biotechnology can help agriculture meet the ever-expanding global demand for food.biotechnology can help agriculture meet the ever-expanding global demand for food.
The Carters founded OSF in 1996 in order to explore opportunities to utilize biotechnology to boost fruit The Carters founded OSF in 1996 in order to explore opportunities to utilize biotechnology to boost fruit consumption and sustainability. OSF’s flagship project is the development of non-browning Arctic® apples, which consumption and sustainability. OSF’s flagship project is the development of non-browning Arctic® apples, which have been engineered to resist browning by silencing genes that produce polyphenol oxidase. Arctic apples are have been engineered to resist browning by silencing genes that produce polyphenol oxidase. Arctic apples are
currently progressing through the deregulation processes in Canada and the United States; availability in grocery stores is expected currently progressing through the deregulation processes in Canada and the United States; availability in grocery stores is expected within a few years.within a few years.
With apple consumption flat-to-declining for the past couple of decades, Mr. Carter believes that Arctic apples will provide a With apple consumption flat-to-declining for the past couple of decades, Mr. Carter believes that Arctic apples will provide a consumption trigger for the industry by providing numerous benefits throughout the supply chain.consumption trigger for the industry by providing numerous benefits throughout the supply chain.■■
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Gregory JaffeGregory Jaffe is director of the biotechnology project for the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), is director of the biotechnology project for the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), an advocacy and educational organization that focuses on nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound an advocacy and educational organization that focuses on nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science. CSPI was instrumental in pushing through the federal law to create the Nutrition Facts label with clear nutri-science. CSPI was instrumental in pushing through the federal law to create the Nutrition Facts label with clear nutri-tion information which set standards for nutrition and health claims on food labels. CSPI is supported primarily by tion information which set standards for nutrition and health claims on food labels. CSPI is supported primarily by 800,000 subscribers to its Nutrition Action Healthletter.800,000 subscribers to its Nutrition Action Healthletter.
Mr. Jaffe first worked as a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Mr. Jaffe first worked as a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division for seven years. He then moved on to become senior counsel with the US Environmental Protection Agency Division for seven years. He then moved on to become senior counsel with the US Environmental Protection Agency Air Enforcement Division, before joining CSPI to direct the biotechnology project. Over the last decade, he has been Air Enforcement Division, before joining CSPI to direct the biotechnology project. Over the last decade, he has been a strong advocate for federal positions in federal court and frequently has spoken publicly on behalf of EPA. At EPA, a strong advocate for federal positions in federal court and frequently has spoken publicly on behalf of EPA. At EPA,
he was awarded a bronze medal for commendable service, a special achievement award, and a gold medal for performance. He is a he was awarded a bronze medal for commendable service, a special achievement award, and a gold medal for performance. He is a recognized expert on the US regulatory structure for agricultural biotechnology as well as consumer issues pertaining to agricultural recognized expert on the US regulatory structure for agricultural biotechnology as well as consumer issues pertaining to agricultural biotechnology.biotechnology.
He earned his BA from Wesleyan University in biology and then received a degree from Harvard Law School.He earned his BA from Wesleyan University in biology and then received a degree from Harvard Law School.■■
Dennis Gonsalves Dennis Gonsalves was born and raised on a sugar plantation in Hawaii. He has been the director of the USDA was born and raised on a sugar plantation in Hawaii. He has been the director of the USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii, since 2002. He received his BS in horticulture (1965) and Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii, since 2002. He received his BS in horticulture (1965) and MS in plant pathology (1968) from the University of Hawaii, and his PhD in plant pathology (1972) from the University MS in plant pathology (1968) from the University of Hawaii, and his PhD in plant pathology (1972) from the University of California at Davis. He worked at the University of Florida from 1972 to 1977 and at Cornell University from 1977 of California at Davis. He worked at the University of Florida from 1972 to 1977 and at Cornell University from 1977 to 2002, rising to the endowed position of Liberty Hyde Bailey professor in 1995.to 2002, rising to the endowed position of Liberty Hyde Bailey professor in 1995.
Dr. Gonsalves does fundamental and applied research to control plant viruses. He was appointed to the Agriculture Dr. Gonsalves does fundamental and applied research to control plant viruses. He was appointed to the Agriculture Research Service Science Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award in 2009. He Research Service Science Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award in 2009. He led the team that developed—through the public sector—the virus-resistant transgenic papaya that saved the papaya led the team that developed—through the public sector—the virus-resistant transgenic papaya that saved the papaya
industry in Hawaii. For this work, they received the Alexander Von Humbolt Award in 2002 for the most significant accomplishment in industry in Hawaii. For this work, they received the Alexander Von Humbolt Award in 2002 for the most significant accomplishment in American agriculture in the previous five years.American agriculture in the previous five years.■■
Michael GregoireMichael Gregoire is the deputy administrator for APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) pro- is the deputy administrator for APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) pro-gram. He provides leadership and direction to ensure the safe development and introduction (importation, interstate gram. He provides leadership and direction to ensure the safe development and introduction (importation, interstate movement, and field testing) of genetically engineered organisms. Prior to becoming deputy administrator for BRS movement, and field testing) of genetically engineered organisms. Prior to becoming deputy administrator for BRS in January 2008, he served as deputy administrator for policy and program development, providing leadership and in January 2008, he served as deputy administrator for policy and program development, providing leadership and guidance in the overall planning and formulation of USDA policies, programs, and activities. He was also responsible guidance in the overall planning and formulation of USDA policies, programs, and activities. He was also responsible for the agency’s budget, regulation development, and environmental compliance programs.for the agency’s budget, regulation development, and environmental compliance programs.
Mr. Gregoire began his federal career as a budget analyst with APHIS in 1978 and served in progressively Mr. Gregoire began his federal career as a budget analyst with APHIS in 1978 and served in progressively responsible roles as an analyst and manager. From 1978 until 1992, he worked in the APHIS Budget and Accounting responsible roles as an analyst and manager. From 1978 until 1992, he worked in the APHIS Budget and Accounting
Division and served as the agency’s budget officer for several years. From 1992 to 1995, he was the chief of staff to the APHIS Division and served as the agency’s budget officer for several years. From 1992 to 1995, he was the chief of staff to the APHIS administrator. In 1995, he assumed a leadership position in the agency’s information technology organization and was named APHIS administrator. In 1995, he assumed a leadership position in the agency’s information technology organization and was named APHIS chief information officer in 1996.chief information officer in 1996.
He received a BA degree in political science from Niagara University in 1976 and a Master’s degree in public administration from He received a BA degree in political science from Niagara University in 1976 and a Master’s degree in public administration from George Washington University in 1983.George Washington University in 1983.■■
Jim FlattJim Flatt is the chief technology officer at Synthetic Genomics, Inc., a leader in the development and application is the chief technology officer at Synthetic Genomics, Inc., a leader in the development and application of synthetic biology for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals and applications in agriculture. He has been of synthetic biology for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals and applications in agriculture. He has been involved in the industrial biotechnology field for over 20 years. Prior to SGI, he was the executive vice president of involved in the industrial biotechnology field for over 20 years. Prior to SGI, he was the executive vice president of research and development and operations at Mascoma Corporation, a leader in the development of cellulosic biofuels. research and development and operations at Mascoma Corporation, a leader in the development of cellulosic biofuels. Before joining Mascoma, he served as senior vice president of research for Martek Biosciences Corporation, leading Before joining Mascoma, he served as senior vice president of research for Martek Biosciences Corporation, leading the development of nutritional fatty acids from microalgae that are now included in many infant-formulas and other the development of nutritional fatty acids from microalgae that are now included in many infant-formulas and other food products. And prior to Martek, he was involved in microbial biotechnology research at Merck and Monsanto.food products. And prior to Martek, he was involved in microbial biotechnology research at Merck and Monsanto.
Dr. Flatt received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Dr. Flatt received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduate degrees in chemical engineering from the University of California-Berkeley and University of Wisconsin-Madison. and graduate degrees in chemical engineering from the University of California-Berkeley and University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served as chair of the industrial advisory board for the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Marine He served as chair of the industrial advisory board for the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Marine Biotechnology at the Universities of Hawaii and California-Berkeley.Biotechnology at the Universities of Hawaii and California-Berkeley.■■
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Rick KressRick Kress is president of Southern Gardens Citrus, a subsidiary of the US Sugar Corporation located in Clew-is president of Southern Gardens Citrus, a subsidiary of the US Sugar Corporation located in Clew-iston. It is one of the largest grower of oranges in Florida and a major supplier of not-from-concentrate juice to the iston. It is one of the largest grower of oranges in Florida and a major supplier of not-from-concentrate juice to the major brands and private-label grocery trade in the United States.major brands and private-label grocery trade in the United States.
He graduated from Cornell University in 1973 with a BS degree in food science. His industry experience includes He graduated from Cornell University in 1973 with a BS degree in food science. His industry experience includes Libby’s, Nestlé, Seneca Foods, and Northland Cranberries, Inc., in a variety of senior management positions from Libby’s, Nestlé, Seneca Foods, and Northland Cranberries, Inc., in a variety of senior management positions from agriculture to sales and marketing.agriculture to sales and marketing.
Mr. Kress moved to Florida in 2005 to join the Southern Gardens Citrus management team. His arrival coincided Mr. Kress moved to Florida in 2005 to join the Southern Gardens Citrus management team. His arrival coincided with the occurrences of the current citrus-industry diseases, canker and greening. Southern Gardens Citrus and US with the occurrences of the current citrus-industry diseases, canker and greening. Southern Gardens Citrus and US Sugar have taken a proactive position in working with all factions of the state of Florida and the worldwide citrus Sugar have taken a proactive position in working with all factions of the state of Florida and the worldwide citrus
industry in efforts to understand and deal with these disease challenges.industry in efforts to understand and deal with these disease challenges.He serves on the Cornell University Institute of Food Science Advisory Council as well as the New York State Agricultural Experiment He serves on the Cornell University Institute of Food Science Advisory Council as well as the New York State Agricultural Experiment
Station Advisory Council task force and is a past president of the Juice Products Association and Processed Apples Institute. Currently, Station Advisory Council task force and is a past president of the Juice Products Association and Processed Apples Institute. Currently, he chairs the D. Glynn Davies Juice Products Association Scholarship program.he chairs the D. Glynn Davies Juice Products Association Scholarship program.■■
Mary Ann LilaMary Ann Lila is director of the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) at North Carolina State University is director of the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) at North Carolina State University on the NC Research Campus. She holds the endowed David H. Murdock chair, and is a professor in the Department on the NC Research Campus. She holds the endowed David H. Murdock chair, and is a professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences. Through transdisciplinary discovery and outreach, the team at the of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences. Through transdisciplinary discovery and outreach, the team at the PHHI is pioneering a dramatic shift in the way the American public views and uses food crops, not merely as a PHHI is pioneering a dramatic shift in the way the American public views and uses food crops, not merely as a source of nutrients and flavorful calories, but as sources of powerful components that protect and enhance human source of nutrients and flavorful calories, but as sources of powerful components that protect and enhance human health. Her research team focuses on wild and domesticated berries and their wide-ranging health benefits, including health. Her research team focuses on wild and domesticated berries and their wide-ranging health benefits, including alleviation of the symptoms of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Current efforts include a Bill & Melinda Gates alleviation of the symptoms of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Current efforts include a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Exploration Challenges project in Zambia and projects in Egypt, Central Asia, Oceania, Mexico, Foundation Grand Exploration Challenges project in Zambia and projects in Egypt, Central Asia, Oceania, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, subSaharan Africa and New Zealand.Ecuador, Chile, subSaharan Africa and New Zealand.
Formerly (2006–2008), she was director of ACES Global Connect (the international arm of the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Formerly (2006–2008), she was director of ACES Global Connect (the international arm of the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois) and associate director of the Functional Foods for Health Program (1997–2000) at Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois) and associate director of the Functional Foods for Health Program (1997–2000) at the University of Illinois. She is vice president of the Global Institute for BioExploration, an R&D network that promotes ethical, natural the University of Illinois. She is vice president of the Global Institute for BioExploration, an R&D network that promotes ethical, natural product-based pharmacological bioexploration to benefit human health and the environment in developing countries.product-based pharmacological bioexploration to benefit human health and the environment in developing countries.■■
Patricia McAllisterPatricia McAllister is the acting national manager of the Plant Biosafety Office (PBO) at the Canadian is the acting national manager of the Plant Biosafety Office (PBO) at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Ottawa. The PBO is responsible for the confined field-trial program and the Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Ottawa. The PBO is responsible for the confined field-trial program and the authorization for environmental release of plants with novel traits. authorization for environmental release of plants with novel traits.
Ms. McAllister was born and raised on a farm in New Brunswick that produced seed potatoes, various Ms. McAllister was born and raised on a farm in New Brunswick that produced seed potatoes, various vegetable crops and beef cattle. She received her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a Master’s degree in food vegetable crops and beef cattle. She received her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a Master’s degree in food science from the University of Guelph. She joined Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development as a seed-potato science from the University of Guelph. She joined Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development as a seed-potato specialist in 1997 and has been with the CFIA since 2009.specialist in 1997 and has been with the CFIA since 2009.■■
Bill McCutchen Bill McCutchen began his role as associate director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research within the Texas A&M began his role as associate director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research within the Texas A&M University System in 2006, and was promoted to executive associate director in 2010. He facilitates oversight and University System in 2006, and was promoted to executive associate director in 2010. He facilitates oversight and direction of programs across Texas A&M AgriLife Research, including the development and implementation of direction of programs across Texas A&M AgriLife Research, including the development and implementation of strategic research initiatives. He also facilitates the development of intellectual property.strategic research initiatives. He also facilitates the development of intellectual property.
McCutchen earned his BS degree in 1987 and Master’s in 1989, both in entomology, from Texas A&M University McCutchen earned his BS degree in 1987 and Master’s in 1989, both in entomology, from Texas A&M University and was awarded Texas A&M’s Distinguished Graduate Student Research Award in 1989. He received his doctorate and was awarded Texas A&M’s Distinguished Graduate Student Research Award in 1989. He received his doctorate from the University of California-Davis in 1993 and won the Young Scientist Award from the American Chemical from the University of California-Davis in 1993 and won the Young Scientist Award from the American Chemical Society in 1992.Society in 1992.
In 2002, while at DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition, he was named a DuPont research fellow overseeing crop-In 2002, while at DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition, he was named a DuPont research fellow overseeing crop-protection research and development across both the agricultural biotechnology and chemistry programs. In 2007, he was presented protection research and development across both the agricultural biotechnology and chemistry programs. In 2007, he was presented with the Henry Wallace Agricultural Revolution Impact Award, DuPont’s and Pioneer’s most prestigious research award for agriculture. with the Henry Wallace Agricultural Revolution Impact Award, DuPont’s and Pioneer’s most prestigious research award for agriculture. He has been granted and retains over 70 patents. Dr. McCutchen received the 2011 Excellence in Innovation Award for the Texas A&M He has been granted and retains over 70 patents. Dr. McCutchen received the 2011 Excellence in Innovation Award for the Texas A&M University System in Recognition of Innovative Research and Commercialization. He serves on several executive committees and University System in Recognition of Innovative Research and Commercialization. He serves on several executive committees and boards and was chair of NABC for 2010–2011.boards and was chair of NABC for 2010–2011.■■
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Alan McHughenAlan McHughen is a public sector educator, scientist and consumer advocate. After earning his doctorate at is a public sector educator, scientist and consumer advocate. After earning his doctorate at Oxford University, he worked at Yale University and the University of Saskatchewan before joining the University of Oxford University, he worked at Yale University and the University of Saskatchewan before joining the University of California, Riverside. A molecular geneticist with an interest in crop improvement and environmental sustainability, California, Riverside. A molecular geneticist with an interest in crop improvement and environmental sustainability, he helped develop US and Canadian regulations covering genetically engineered crops and foods. He served on a he helped develop US and Canadian regulations covering genetically engineered crops and foods. He served on a recent US National Academy of Sciences panel investigating the environmental effects of transgenic plants, and a recent US National Academy of Sciences panel investigating the environmental effects of transgenic plants, and a second panel investigating the health effects of genetically modified foods. He is now past president and treasurer second panel investigating the health effects of genetically modified foods. He is now past president and treasurer of the International Society for Biosafety Research.of the International Society for Biosafety Research.
Having developed internationally approved commercial crop varieties using both conventional breeding and Having developed internationally approved commercial crop varieties using both conventional breeding and genetic engineering techniques, Dr. McHughen has firsthand experience with the relevant issues from both sides genetic engineering techniques, Dr. McHughen has firsthand experience with the relevant issues from both sides
of the regulatory process. As an educator and consumer advocate, he helps non-scientists understand the environmental and health of the regulatory process. As an educator and consumer advocate, he helps non-scientists understand the environmental and health impacts of both modern and traditional methods of food production. His book, impacts of both modern and traditional methods of food production. His book, Pandora’s Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Pandora’s Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified FoodsGenetically Modified Foods, explodes the myths and explores the genuine risks of GM technology., explodes the myths and explores the genuine risks of GM technology.■■
Visit NABC on the web to download NABC reports and white papers or to Visit NABC on the web to download NABC reports and white papers or to sign up to receive future NABC publications automatically.sign up to receive future NABC publications automatically.
http://nabc.cals.cornell.edu/pubs/pubs.cfmhttp://nabc.cals.cornell.edu/pubs/pubs.cfm
Robert MerkerRobert Merker received his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a PhD in microbiology from the University of California, Davis. After postdoctoral studies at the University of British Columbia and UC-Davis, he joined the Food and Drug Administration in 1991, where he did research on the outer surface of Listeria monocytogenes, acid tolerance in Yersinia enterocolitica, and the food safety of apple-cider production. In 2000, he became a consumer safety officer in the Office of Food Additive Safety.
He participated in the working group for the development of a Codex Alimentarius “Guideline for the Conduct of Food Safety Assessment of Foods Produced Using Recombinant-DNA Microorganisms.” He also has worked on a wide variety of biotechnology-related issues for FDA, and was a member of an interagency task team that has developed and
maintains a joint Internet site for government information about regulation of the products of modern biotechnology.Dr. Merker was selected as a supervisory consumer safety officer in the Division of Petition Review in the Office of Food Additive
Safety in July 2007, and moved to the Division of Biotechnology and GRAS Notice Review in 2010, where he supervises several regulatory and environmental specialists. He oversees FDA’s Consultations on Food from New Plant Varieties.■■
Steven PueppkeSteven Pueppke is associate vice president for research and graduate studies at Michigan State University and direc- is associate vice president for research and graduate studies at Michigan State University and direc-tor of MSU AgBioResearch. He has university-wide responsibility for a portfolio of research focused on land use, water, tor of MSU AgBioResearch. He has university-wide responsibility for a portfolio of research focused on land use, water, climate change, food and agriculture, and renewable energy.climate change, food and agriculture, and renewable energy.
In 1968, he was awarded a BS degree from MSU and, in 1975, received his PhD in plant pathology from Cornell In 1968, he was awarded a BS degree from MSU and, in 1975, received his PhD in plant pathology from Cornell University. He is a former faculty member at universities in Florida, Missouri, and Illinois and served as guest professor University. He is a former faculty member at universities in Florida, Missouri, and Illinois and served as guest professor at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and Philipps University in Marburg, Germany. He is past president of the at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and Philipps University in Marburg, Germany. He is past president of the board of directors of the National Council on Food and Agricultural Research and past chair of NABC. He has served board of directors of the National Council on Food and Agricultural Research and past chair of NABC. He has served on the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture and on the Michigan Renewable on the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture and on the Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission. Fuels Commission.
A fellow of the American Phytopathological Society and a member of numerous professional societies, including Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Xi, A fellow of the American Phytopathological Society and a member of numerous professional societies, including Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Xi, Dr. Pueppke has coauthored 125 peer-reviewed scientific articles. In recognition of his efforts at building collaborations with French universities, Dr. Pueppke has coauthored 125 peer-reviewed scientific articles. In recognition of his efforts at building collaborations with French universities, he received the he received the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes AcadémiquesChevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques from the Republic of France in 2008. from the Republic of France in 2008.■■
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John PurcellJohn Purcell is vice president for technology development for Monsanto Vegetables and serves on Monsanto’s veg-is vice president for technology development for Monsanto Vegetables and serves on Monsanto’s veg-etable leadership team. In this role, he heads a global team responsible for supporting the commercialization of vegetable etable leadership team. In this role, he heads a global team responsible for supporting the commercialization of vegetable seed products in diverse markets. He is also a senior technology fellow at Monsanto.seed products in diverse markets. He is also a senior technology fellow at Monsanto.
Previously, he served on Monsanto’s technology leadership team, in which capacity he oversaw a portfolio of Previously, he served on Monsanto’s technology leadership team, in which capacity he oversaw a portfolio of technologies and products in the pipeline that bring increasing value to the cotton industry globally. Prior to that role, technologies and products in the pipeline that bring increasing value to the cotton industry globally. Prior to that role, he held numerous positions in Monsanto’s technology organization. He headed a research site in Mystic, Connecticut, he held numerous positions in Monsanto’s technology organization. He headed a research site in Mystic, Connecticut, and led a research program in Cambridge, UK, focusing on corn and wheat, respectively. Dr. Purcell spent more than and led a research program in Cambridge, UK, focusing on corn and wheat, respectively. Dr. Purcell spent more than 10 years at Monsanto’s biotechnology R&D center in St. Louis, where he held jobs of increasing responsibility in the 10 years at Monsanto’s biotechnology R&D center in St. Louis, where he held jobs of increasing responsibility in the biotechnology research organization. For several years, he headed Monsanto’s insect-control program. His role was biotechnology research organization. For several years, he headed Monsanto’s insect-control program. His role was
later expanded to include all plant-protection research including insect, fungal and nematode pests.later expanded to include all plant-protection research including insect, fungal and nematode pests.Prior to joining Monsanto, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the US Department of Agriculture. His PhD was granted from the Prior to joining Monsanto, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the US Department of Agriculture. His PhD was granted from the
University of Massachusetts at Amherst on insect biochemistry. He is an inventor on several patents and an author of numerous scientific University of Massachusetts at Amherst on insect biochemistry. He is an inventor on several patents and an author of numerous scientific papers, reviews and book chapters.papers, reviews and book chapters.■■
Thomas RedickThomas Redick represents clients in the high-technology and agricultural biotechnology industry sectors with issues represents clients in the high-technology and agricultural biotechnology industry sectors with issues relating to regulatory approval, liability avoidance and compliance with industry standards addressing socioeconomic relating to regulatory approval, liability avoidance and compliance with industry standards addressing socioeconomic and environmental impacts, particularly “sustainability” initiatives in agriculture and high technology. Before establish-and environmental impacts, particularly “sustainability” initiatives in agriculture and high technology. Before establish-ing a solo international environmental consulting practice in 2005 in St. Louis, he was a partner in Gallop, Johnson & ing a solo international environmental consulting practice in 2005 in St. Louis, he was a partner in Gallop, Johnson & Neuman LC in Clayton, Missouri.Neuman LC in Clayton, Missouri.
He has a BA (1982) and a JD (1985) from the University of Michigan and is chair of the American Bar Association He has a BA (1982) and a JD (1985) from the University of Michigan and is chair of the American Bar Association Section on Environment, Energy & Resources (ABA-SEER) Committee on Agricultural Management. After his Section on Environment, Energy & Resources (ABA-SEER) Committee on Agricultural Management. After his appointment to represent ABA on the Council for Agricultural Science & Technology (CAST), he was the first attorney appointment to represent ABA on the Council for Agricultural Science & Technology (CAST), he was the first attorney to be elected president of CAST in its 40-year history.to be elected president of CAST in its 40-year history.
Mr. Redick represents US soybean producers on regulatory approval, liability avoidance, intellectual property, and antitrust issues. As Mr. Redick represents US soybean producers on regulatory approval, liability avoidance, intellectual property, and antitrust issues. As their representative to the Global Industry Coalition, he attends meetings of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. He has over 27 years their representative to the Global Industry Coalition, he attends meetings of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. He has over 27 years experience practicing environmental and intellectual property law and is co-author of four books on liability prevention and emerging experience practicing environmental and intellectual property law and is co-author of four books on liability prevention and emerging technologies.technologies.■■
Tony SheltonTony Shelton is a professor of entomology and an international professor and associate director of international is a professor of entomology and an international professor and associate director of international programs for Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He received his BA in classics and philosophy from programs for Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He received his BA in classics and philosophy from St. Mary’s College of California, and worked in business before returning to graduate studies at the University of St. Mary’s College of California, and worked in business before returning to graduate studies at the University of California, Riverside, where he received his MS and PhD degrees. He began his academic career at Cornell in 1979 California, Riverside, where he received his MS and PhD degrees. He began his academic career at Cornell in 1979 where his research focuses on developing sound insect-pest-management strategies for vegetables with spin-offs for where his research focuses on developing sound insect-pest-management strategies for vegetables with spin-offs for other crops. Components of his program include insect population ecology, biological control, plant resistance, ag-other crops. Components of his program include insect population ecology, biological control, plant resistance, ag-ricultural biotechnology, insecticide resistance, and risk assessment of insect-resistant genetically engineered crops. ricultural biotechnology, insecticide resistance, and risk assessment of insect-resistant genetically engineered crops. His program has a strong commitment to outreach education for the agricultural community, the general public and His program has a strong commitment to outreach education for the agricultural community, the general public and international agriculture, especially in India and China.international agriculture, especially in India and China.
Dr. Shelton served as the associate director of research at the Cornell Experiment Station from 1993 through 2001. Among the Dr. Shelton served as the associate director of research at the Cornell Experiment Station from 1993 through 2001. Among the awards he has received are the Entomological Society of America’s Award for Integrated Pest Management and its Recognition Award awards he has received are the Entomological Society of America’s Award for Integrated Pest Management and its Recognition Award for Research. He is a fellow of the Entomological Society of America.for Research. He is a fellow of the Entomological Society of America.■■
Scott ThenellScott Thenell is founder and managing partner of Thenell & Associates LLC, offering expert regulatory advice is founder and managing partner of Thenell & Associates LLC, offering expert regulatory advice to companies that make and market genetically engineered plant products.to companies that make and market genetically engineered plant products.
His career spans more than 30 years in technical and regulatory service to the food-processing and biotechnology-His career spans more than 30 years in technical and regulatory service to the food-processing and biotechnology-seed industries. Since 2001, he has helped clients reach their regulatory goals for biotechnology-derived food and seed industries. Since 2001, he has helped clients reach their regulatory goals for biotechnology-derived food and energy crops, industrial products, biopesticides and soil additives. He is a co-founder of the Agricultural BioTech energy crops, industrial products, biopesticides and soil additives. He is a co-founder of the Agricultural BioTech Regulatory Network, an international group of independent regulatory professionals serving the agricultural Regulatory Network, an international group of independent regulatory professionals serving the agricultural biotechnology industry from product concept to commercialization.biotechnology industry from product concept to commercialization.
Mr. Thenell earned degrees in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in regulatory science Mr. Thenell earned degrees in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in regulatory science from the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy.from the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy.■■
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technology. The opponents’ concerns are technology. The opponents’ concerns are more related to the role of such companies more related to the role of such companies in the food chain than any potential risks in the food chain than any potential risks from genetic engineering.from genetic engineering.
Ironically, public institutions and small Ironically, public institutions and small companies that are also involved in crop companies that are also involved in crop breeding have been reluctant to contemplate breeding have been reluctant to contemplate using this technology in the same way using this technology in the same way as the large companies, although such as the large companies, although such crops could benefit significantly from its crops could benefit significantly from its application. This is because the regulatory application. This is because the regulatory system put in place by governments system put in place by governments (under pressure from opponents of the (under pressure from opponents of the technology) has put application of the technology) has put application of the technology out of the reach of the smaller technology out of the reach of the smaller players. Deep pockets are required to move players. Deep pockets are required to move a product through the regulatory system, a product through the regulatory system, involving costs that public institutions involving costs that public institutions and small companies cannot afford. In and small companies cannot afford. In addition, the limited return on investment addition, the limited return on investment from smaller-acreage crops (which might from smaller-acreage crops (which might well be bred by public institutions or small well be bred by public institutions or small companies) has meant that they have not companies) has meant that they have not yet benefited from genetic engineering yet benefited from genetic engineering in the same way as the large-acreage in the same way as the large-acreage crops. Thus, genetically engineered crops crops. Thus, genetically engineered crops are seen as the sole purview of the large are seen as the sole purview of the large agricultural biotechnology companies and agricultural biotechnology companies and concerns that opponents have with GMOs concerns that opponents have with GMOs are confounded by other concerns.are confounded by other concerns.
NABC 25, NABC 25, Biotechnology and North Biotechnology and North American Specialty Crops: Linking American Specialty Crops: Linking Research, Regulation, and StakeholdersResearch, Regulation, and Stakeholders, , will bring together players from public will bring together players from public agricultural research institutions and agricultural research institutions and regulatory agencies to discuss the above regulatory agencies to discuss the above challenges. Hopefully the presentations challenges. Hopefully the presentations and discussions will identify a path forward and discussions will identify a path forward by which these “orphan” genetically by which these “orphan” genetically engineered crops with significant value engineered crops with significant value to either the producer or consumer—or to either the producer or consumer—or both—can be brought to market rather both—can be brought to market rather than sit on the shelf. Bill McCutchen and than sit on the shelf. Bill McCutchen and his staff at Texas A & M are organizing an his staff at Texas A & M are organizing an excellent program and I hope to see you all excellent program and I hope to see you all there June 4–6. Seating is limited to 300, there June 4–6. Seating is limited to 300, so please register early. so please register early.
A special note to all NABC representatives A special note to all NABC representatives regarding the regarding the Student Voice.Student Voice.
Please be sure to pass on NABC 25 Please be sure to pass on NABC 25 information to appropriate colleagues information to appropriate colleagues whose graduate students might like to whose graduate students might like to attend and participate in the attend and participate in the Student VoiceStudent Voice program. Remember that your institution‘s program. Remember that your institution‘s membership helps to provide free membership helps to provide free registration for one student and up to $750 registration for one student and up to $750 towards their travel and accommodation. towards their travel and accommodation. Many NABC-member institutions have Many NABC-member institutions have not taken advantage of this opportunity—not taken advantage of this opportunity—at minimal direct cost—to broaden at minimal direct cost—to broaden
exposure of one of their interested students exposure of one of their interested students to the intersection of science and policy. to the intersection of science and policy. The The Student VoiceStudent Voice has become one of the has become one of the distinguishing features of NABC’s annual distinguishing features of NABC’s annual conferences, providing opportunities for conferences, providing opportunities for graduate students to meet, interact, and graduate students to meet, interact, and work with colleagues from other member work with colleagues from other member institutions as well as to present their work institutions as well as to present their work as posters. NABC 25 will be of particular as posters. NABC 25 will be of particular interest to those students working in interest to those students working in plant biotechnology. While they may be plant biotechnology. While they may be well acquainted with the nuts and bolts well acquainted with the nuts and bolts of the various transformation techniques, of the various transformation techniques, NABC 25 will expose them to a very NABC 25 will expose them to a very different set of issues that confront those different set of issues that confront those attempting to apply those techniques. It attempting to apply those techniques. It will serve them well as they embark on will serve them well as they embark on their careers, particularly providing them their careers, particularly providing them with information on issues they will face in with information on issues they will face in taking products of transformation through taking products of transformation through to commercialization.to commercialization.■■
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GRAHAM J. SCOLESASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH,
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE and BioresourcesUNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
Chris WozniakChris Wozniak received his training in plant pathology and life sciences at the University of received his training in plant pathology and life sciences at the University of Nebraska Nebraska at Lincoln, where his research efforts focused on cell differentiation and morphogenesis in at Lincoln, where his research efforts focused on cell differentiation and morphogenesis in SorghumSorghum bicolor. He bicolor. He worked in David Galbraith’s laboratory at UNL, developing insect-resistant cotton and with Lowell Owens at worked in David Galbraith’s laboratory at UNL, developing insect-resistant cotton and with Lowell Owens at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, developing transformation protocols in sugarbeet. He then the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, developing transformation protocols in sugarbeet. He then joined the Sugarbeet Research Unit of the USDA-Agricultural Research Servicjoined the Sugarbeet Research Unit of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service in Fargo, ND, where he worked on e in Fargo, ND, where he worked on biological control of an insect pest.biological control of an insect pest.
After 18 years in plant-science research, he entered the world of regulatory science at the US Environmental After 18 years in plant-science research, he entered the world of regulatory science at the US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs. He performed risk assessments of microbial and plant-based Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs. He performed risk assessments of microbial and plant-based pesticides, particularly in the areas of human health and environmental consequences of gene flow.pesticides, particularly in the areas of human health and environmental consequences of gene flow.
For four years, Dr. Wozniak served as the national program leader for Food Biotechnology and Microbiology at the USDA’s Cooperative For four years, Dr. Wozniak served as the national program leader for Food Biotechnology and Microbiology at the USDA’s Cooperative States Research, Education and Extension Service. While at CSREES, he directed two competitive grant programs in the areas of microbial States Research, Education and Extension Service. While at CSREES, he directed two competitive grant programs in the areas of microbial food safety and environmental risk assessment for products of biotechnology.food safety and environmental risk assessment for products of biotechnology.
In 2008, he rejoined the EPA as a biotechnology special assistant in the Office of Pesticide Programs, focusing on issues of biotechnology In 2008, he rejoined the EPA as a biotechnology special assistant in the Office of Pesticide Programs, focusing on issues of biotechnology policy, interagency coordination of biotech regulations, and environmental risk assessment of plant-incorporated protectants.policy, interagency coordination of biotech regulations, and environmental risk assessment of plant-incorporated protectants. ■■
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RECENT NABC WHITEPAPERS
Agriculture and the Changing Climate (2011)
Agricultural Water Security: Research and Development Prescription for Improving Water Use Efficiency, Availability and Quality (2010)
Food and Agricultural Research: Innovation to Transform Human Health (2009)
Agriculture and Forestry for Energy, Chemicals and Materials: The Road Forward (2007)
TThhe e World CongressWorld Congress—initiated in 2004 by —initiated in 2004 by the Biotechnology Industry Organiza-the Biotechnology Industry Organiza-
tion (BIO), the American Chemical Society tion (BIO), the American Chemical Society and NABC—has become the world’s largest and NABC—has become the world’s largest conference on industrial biotechnology and conference on industrial biotechnology and the leading event for business leaders and the leading event for business leaders and policymakers in biofuels, biobased products, policymakers in biofuels, biobased products, and renewable chemicals, which represent and renewable chemicals, which represent major market opportunities for agriculture major market opportunities for agriculture (see (see NABC Reports 12NABC Reports 12, , 1919 and and 2020).).
NABC will have “supporting NABC will have “supporting organization” status at the tenth organization” status at the tenth World World CongressCongress in Montréal and will have a table in Montréal and will have a table
in the exhibition area offering our reports, in the exhibition area offering our reports, white papers, white papers, etc.etc., to the expected >1,000 , to the expected >1,000 attendees.attendees.
Five plenary sessions will highlight Five plenary sessions will highlight progress in next-generation biorefineries, progress in next-generation biorefineries, renewable chemicals, biofuels, and renewable chemicals, biofuels, and building a sustainable biobased industry. building a sustainable biobased industry. And the breakout program will comprise And the breakout program will comprise six tracks and 35 sessions (many relevant six tracks and 35 sessions (many relevant to agriculture):to agriculture):• Advanced Biofuels and Biorefinery Advanced Biofuels and Biorefinery
PlatformsPlatforms• Feedstock Crops and Biomass SupplyFeedstock Crops and Biomass Supply
NABC Will Participate in BIO’sNABC Will Participate in BIO’s World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and BioprocessingWorld Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
Montréal, Canada, June 16–19, 2013Montréal, Canada, June 16–19, 2013
• Renewable Chemical Platforms and Renewable Chemical Platforms and Biobased MaterialsBiobased Materials
• Specialty Chemicals, Pharmaceutical Specialty Chemicals, Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Food IngredientsIntermediates and Food Ingredients
• Synthetic Biology and Microbial Synthetic Biology and Microbial GenomicsGenomics
• Technical PresentationsTechnical PresentationsMore information on the program More information on the program
and registration and lodging details, and registration and lodging details, etc.etc., are available at http://www.bio.org/, are available at http://www.bio.org/worldcongress. Questions may be directed worldcongress. Questions may be directed to to [email protected]@bio.org.■■
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NABCB15 Boyce Thompson Institute
Tower RoadIthaca, NY 14853
NABC 25:NABC 25: Biotechnology and North American Specialty Crops: Biotechnology and North American Specialty Crops:Linking Research, Regulation and StakeholdersLinking Research, Regulation and Stakeholders
June 4–6, 2013June 4–6, 2013College Station, TexasCollege Station, Texashttp://nabc25.tamu.edu/http://nabc25.tamu.edu/
