Posted: September 23rd, 2009 - 1:34am
Source: AgriNews

FARGO, N.D. -- Biotech wheat development got a boost last week when producers, millers and bakers released an eight-page paper supporting the research.
The paper says biotechnology has the potential to help reverse the loss of wheat acres in the United States and "ensure adequate supplies to feed a hungry world."
There has been a change in opinion on biotech wheat over the last few years, said National Wheat Growers Association secretary-treasurer Erik Younggren.
"The bakers have realized that we have to have a stable, safe supply of wheat," he said. "When we talk about biotech, we are talking drought resistance, gluten-free and nitrogen efficient variety development."
Younggren made the comments following his participation in an agricultural policy roundtable at Big Iron in Fargo, N.D.
The United States is not alone in supporting biotech development, said the Hallock farmer. Australia and Canada have joined American wheat producers in an effort to move forward on the research and variety development.