Farmers can breathe a sigh of relief as they move into autumn. The future promise of a new high lipid ryegrass developed
by conventional breeding and not using any gene editing or transgenic techniques shows that through innovation and
foresight of plant breeders, farmers can benefit the environment and increase animal health.
The Germinal high lipid ryegrass will compliment their portfolio of rye grasses. Germinal and their research partner the
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) have understood that increasing the lipid content of
grass reduces methane emissions from ruminant livestock, by changing rumen fermentation patterns and breaking down
protein more efficiently. [1]
The Waikato District Council recently held a hearing on whether GMO precautions should be placed in the Waikato District
plan. The Commissioners heard about the threat genetically modified/engineered organisms (GMOs) would have on organic
farmers, especially if their land were contaminated with the GM ryegrass. Any GM/GE contamination would cause immediate
loss of organic certification, leading to significant adverse economic impacts for the farmer and consumer choice. [2]
“The news that Germinal Seeds is developing high lipid grasses to suit New Zealand conditions and not using any GE
technologies is encouraging and shows that conventional breeding is ahead of GM/GE development. This choice will allow
New Zealand farmers to stay GE Free, and avoid the problems associated with GE contamination,” said Claire Bleakley.
In the last five years, many non-GM varieties of horticultural and agricultural plants have been released. All have
performed well and do not rely on pesticide applications through their growing life. The first was the Lubera crispy
fresh “RedLove” apple a red-fleshed apple released on Valentine’s Day 5 years ago. [3] Later came the Zespri delicious
colourful red kiwi fruit [4] and Germinal’s High sugar rye grass and now the new high lipid grass.
These innovations in conventional plan breeding have enabled New Zealand to keep a pure advantage in providing clean,
safe GE-free produce that attracts premium prices.
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