By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

A new drought-tolerant wheat trait, HB4, was recently approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The genetically modified wheat was developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions.

The U.S. is the fourth country to allow production of HB4 wheat, following Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

“Wherever wheat is grown in the world, drought takes its toll on yields and quality, so an innovation like HB4 holds a lot of interest for growers like me,” U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Past Chairman and Oklahoma wheat grower Michael Peters said. “With global demand for wheat hitting new records almost every year, there is concern about variable production.”

Before HB4 is grown commercially in the U.S., there are several steps that must be taken.

Trials will be conducted prior to commercialization. USW noted they will continue to monitor the process to guarantee it aligns with the Wheat Industry Principles for Biotechnology Commercialization developed by USW and National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).

“There is still a lot of ground to cover with this technology and our organization will stay actively engaged in the process on behalf of our farmers and overseas customers,” USW Director of Trade Policy Peter Laudeman said. “We appreciate the commitment that Bioceres is making to working with its wheat industry partners to ensure robust stewardship of this technology prior to commercial release.”

Mexico, the Philippines and Japan, which are the top buyers of U.S. wheat, have not approved HB4 wheat. However, according to Bioceres, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia, Colombia and Chile have approved the wheat for food and feed use.

Two years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded a review of the genetically modified wheat, giving its approval. FDA oversees the safety of food from new crops before they enter the market.

USDA, which reviews the new crop’s impact on agriculture and the environment, approved the trait at the end of August.

Drought has been prevalent in Texas and many other states in the U.S. the last few years and has impacted wheat farmers.

“The approval of the HB4 drought-tolerant trait will greatly benefit wheat farmers who experience drought conditions during the growing season,” said Brant Wilbourn, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities. “Drought leads to lower quality and yields, but this drought-tolerant trait will help reduce that impact.”