GMO Answers took to the social media site Reddit this week to participate in the Ask Me Anything series. Cathleen Enright, Ph.D., executive director of the Council for Biotechnology Information and GMO Answers spokesperson answered questions about GMOs. “We need to do a better job talking about the technology—what GMOs are, why farmers choose them, what benefits they provide, and … Read More
Dow ENLIST Deregulated by USDA
USDA has issued a decision to deregulate Dow AgroSciences’ Enlist™ 2,4-D and glyphosate-resistant corn and soybean traits in the United States. The company is now awaiting EPA registration of Enlist Duo™ herbicide, the companion herbicide to the Enlist traits. “Enlist will help farmers increase their productivity to meet the growing demand for a safe and affordable food supply,” said Tim … Read More
Biologics Business is Booming
The market for biopesticides and other biologics in crop protection is growing fast and the industry is making significant investments in more research and development for these types of products. “We’re growing globally about 15-16% per year, here in the U.S. about 14% per year,” says Biopesticide Industry Alliance executive director Bill Stoneman. “Starting from a small base, we’re about … Read More
Bayer CropScience Cuts Ribbon for the Future
West Sacramento officials joined Bayer CropScience executives Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new $80 million dollar integrated research and development facility for biologics and vegetable seeds. “This really fits into our strategy to invest in innovation here in the U.S.,” said Bayer CropScience global CEO Liam Condon at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “This is a global … Read More
Biologics R & D at Bayer Crop Science
Biologics are based on materials found in nature. At the Bayer Crop Science booth during the Farm Progress Show I spoke with Head of Biologic Research for Bayer CropScience, Dr. Jonathan Margolis, who is based out of their new facilities in Sacramento, CA. There he works with live microbes like bacteria, fungi and plant extracts. “The difference between those and … Read More
Ag Groups Urge EU to Approve Biotech Events
Nearly 20 agricultural organizations signed on to letters sent this week to the European Commission and the U.S. Trade Representative urging that the European Union (EU) take action in September on nine biotech events that have received positive safety reviews and are awaiting final import authorization. There are currently nine products, including four soybean products, which have already received positive … Read More
Soybean Groups Hold Biotech Roundtable
The American and Illinois Soybean Associations teamed up last week to gather more than 100 farmers, researchers, leaders of agricultural organizations and federal officials for a discussion on the worldwide benefits of agricultural biotechnology. “It is critical that agriculture let policymakers and regulators in Washington know how much farmers need biotechnology to sustainably produce food for the world’s population. Scientists … Read More
Gutterson Joins DuPont Pioneer Ag Biotech
DuPont Pioneer recently announced the appointment of Neal Gutterson, Ph.D., as vice president of Agricultural Biotechnology (ABT), effective July 21. Gutterson joins Pioneer from Mendel Biotechnology where he served most recently as president, chief executive officer and board member. “Neal brings extensive biotechnology and business leadership in the seed and crop protection industry to this integral role for DuPont Pioneer,” … Read More
Marrone Bio Opens Michigan Facility
Marrone Bio Innovations, a leading global provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products, celebrated the official opening of its Marrone Michigan Manufacturing (M3) facility Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). “We know how to grow things and make things, so it’s no surprise that MBI chose to invest right here in Michigan,” said … Read More
Hillary Clinton Voices Support for Ag Biotech
Potential presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spent over an hour last week at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) convention in San Diego chatting with BIO president and CEO Jim Greenwood, a former congressman from Pennsylvania. The wide ranging discussion touched on a variety of topics, including agricultural biotechnology. Greenwood asked Mrs. Clinton where she stood on the use of genetically modified … Read More