“The method is regarded as safe”

When did you first become interested in Genome Editing?

Since I was a child, I have always been interested in creating new varieties of flowers, doing crossings in the garden. In high school I became fascinated by my genetic classes and decided to work in plant biotechnology.

What are the benefits you can see of this technology for agriculture?

The benefits of Genome Editing for agriculture are huge. It could contribute to generating crops resistant to pests and diseases, or resilient to climate change. Given that we are seeing the effects of climate change and need to reduce the use of pesticides, this technology could offer plants that decrease the impact on environment while improving food security around the globe for the future. These plants could also reduce the production costs for the farmer – less fungicide, less fuel for tractor for spraying, spending less time on the field. Genome Editing does not have all the answers, but it is a promising tool.

Critics of the technology often talk about safety of using it, what would you say to that?

As with any new technology, concerns arise, which is normal. However, this technology has been reported by several independent labs, and breeders, as being even safer than conventional methods that are currently used for breeding. I totally agree with these assessments. For me, I don’t see safety issues with this technology, as long as it is used in a proper way.

Genome editing can sometimes be seen as a controversial new science, what’s your experience?

While discussing my work with scientists from different background and countries it is not so controversial. However, in my discussions with non-scientists, like family or friends, then yes, it can be quite controversial. In my opinion the main reason for this is lack of clear communication to the public regarding the technology and the fast propagation of misinformation, especially from social networks. It becomes an emotional topic rather than a rational one.

Why do you think there is an emotional reaction, rather than a rational one when we talk about plant genome editing?

I sense that people do not see a direct benefit of the technology, as they do for the same technology applied in medicine. That is why I was pleased that my PhD topic was really linked to a direct human benefit – using Genome Editing to develop wheat for people with coeliac disease. Usually, we talk about the benefits for the environment or for the farmers, but the consumers are not in direct contact with it. In recent years we have seen more concern about climate change - maybe this is going to help the public’s view of the technology.
There is also a point of view that if this technology was deregulated only big companies would be able to use it - it is actually the opposite! Genome Editing is not expensive to apply, therefore if it is not regulated as GMO, even small companies can use it and this keeps seed prices low. By regulating this technology as GMO only the big companies can afford the regulation and financial impact, and this does create a monopoly.

There is talk of young scientists interested in this field leaving the EU. What is your experience?

The position I currently hold came up straight after the EU ruling, and I thought to myself – I really need to get that job because that is probably the last available in Europe. I wanted to stay in Europe, and I did not see why I would have to go to the US just because of this regulation, so I was very happy to join KWS. But I know for several friends it is either go to the US if they want to work for a company or stay in Europe and work in academia – but in academia all the funding has been cut or reduced related to Genome Editing. It is a real loss of talent, very brilliant scientists who wanted to stay in Europe to work on plant genome editing are now forced to leave or to change of field.

What are some of the future developments and challenges of Genome Editing in agriculture?

In terms of applications, a concrete example is the PILTON project, where Genome Editing is used to generate wheat plants resistant to different fungi.
But there are still some technical issues to resolve, some different genotypes are still more recalcitrant (resistant) than others to being edited. So, we can’t say that we can do everything for every crop, because we are really facing this at the moment – some just do not want to be modified at all! The more support we get from governments and the general population, the more investment can be made in those areas to tackle technical issues. Businesses are not going to invest if they know that the public are not going to welcome the final products.

Why did you decide to join the KWS Genome Editing effort?

I always wanted to work for a seed company, because I wanted to see the impact of my work in farming. The most interesting part for me is to see how much Genome Editing contributes to either discovering or enhancing a plants mechanism. Every time we start a new project, it is very exciting to see all the benefits that could be provided with that technology. That’s the technical part. On a personal level, it is really wonderful to come together with other colleagues. Those conversations and collaborations are not only going on with those in research, but also colleagues from breeding and other parts of the business too. This exchange is something I really enjoy. |