Calendar Name:	seminars
Scheduled for:	Wednesday, September 11 2013, 11:00 - 12:30
Event text:	Em. Prof Marc Van Montagu VIB Ghent University IPBO Gent BELGIUM
Details:	?Science & Technology and the Social and Economic Importance of GM-Crops? ABSTRACT The discovery and use of Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer to plants brought the tools for studying the molecular basis of plant basic physiology, growth and development, stress response and information on the establishment of ecological niches of plant species. Genomic studies taught us that the plant genome, unlike the Mendelian concept of mid 20th century, is a quite dynamic structure full of rearrangements and translocations. The fast adaptation of phenotypes is a very complex process controlled by a diversity of regulatory RNA's and peptides. There was immediately great interest in using this new transgene technology for the production of improved and high yielding crops, better adapted to different agro-ecological environments. This is indeed an urgent need because the unprecedented population growth and the inequity in resource availability generated huge famines, massive deforestation and intensive industrial pollution in the last century. Despite the Green Revolution, more than a billion people today are still undernourished and half of the world population lives in deep poverty. Unfortunately, political movements started spreading disinformation on plant biotechnology, and over the years opposition against GM-crops grew in many European countries, blocking further applications of the technology in Europe and by extension in many developing countries. This moratorium was established without proof of any danger for the health of humans or other vertebrates, or detriment to the environment. The 170 million ha GM-crops now cultivated yearly in a limited number of countries, comprise only corn, soy, cotton and some canola. Only six multinational companies provide the seeds and extension services. How could such an anti-science situation arise? Can a better understanding of the fears and beliefs that guide our decision-making help to engage in a better dialogue with society? How can we turn a fear aversion into a positive action for science and technology? This year the World Food Prize, which recognizes achievements extremely precious for society, was given to the scientists who develop transgenic plants. I hope this recognition will help to convey this important message to society: GM agriculture is our biggest opportunity for having a less environmentally damaging agriculture, while still meeting the food needs of an ever-growing population. Only through cooperation and mutual understanding will it be possible to capture and develop the true potential of this exciting technology, to create a more livable and environmentally stable society. ???______________________________________________________________________________________________ Van Montagu M. (2011) It is a Long Way to GM Agriculture. Annual Review of Plant Biology 62: 1-23