Arctic GMO apple: Is it getting closer

12/12/2012 5:39:23 AM
Tom Karst

National Editor Tom Karst Is the GMO apple getting closer to reality?

I talked to one source this week who believes the USDA decision on the GMO non browning Arctic apple could be mere weeks away.

At the same time, I notice there is pick up in activity on The Packer online for previous stories and blog posts about the Arctic apple.

Earlier this month, we received a press release from Okanagan Specialty Fruit, referring to a recent speech about the benefits of biotechnology from Neal Carter. From the release:

 
Summerland, B.C., Canada – Neal Carter, the president of tree fruit biotechnology company Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), recently delivered a presentation on agricultural biotechnology at a TEDx event in Penticton, BC. His presentation, which was delivered live on October 27, 2012, is now available online at the company’s consumer-aimed website.
 
Neal Carter has made it a priority to help educate the public on the value of biotechnology in agriculture. His presentation, titled, “Agricultural Biotechnology:  Feeding a Hungry Planet and Saving Lives” is meant to further that cause.
 
The twelve minute talk covers several topics including the history of biotech foods, the next wave of biotech crops currently in development, the benefits biotechnology can offer, the debate surrounding the technology and the need for more public education.
 
Carter, a bioresource engineer for over thirty years who also runs a family orchard in addition to OSF, says he was excited to have the opportunity to share such important information through a respected outlet like TEDx. Carter encourages everyone to watch the video and learn as much about biotechnology as possible before passing judgment.

TK: If the USDA renders a positive judgment on the Arctic apple, as many expect, it remains to be seen if there will be legal challenges soon thereafter. Whatever the case, Neal Carter and the Arctic apple will merit our attention in the months ahead. He is going it alone in this quest for the GMO apple.

Comments (1) Leave a comment 

Mr Karst,
I tried to watch the video. I had to stop when it showed the starving child from wartorn North Africa; the implication being that embracing GMOs could save this poor child.
Today I was shocked to read that the world health organization has rated worldwide obesity a greater killer than worldwide starvation.
As a farmer I can't do anything about starvation that is caused by mans inhumanity to ones fellow man, but we apple growers have always been known as the ones who "keep the doctor away"; meaning of course that we can do something about maintaining health as long as people perceive that we are producing a healthy product.
The fact is the jury is out on GMOs; for every scientist that says they are fine (and is not somehow financially beholding) there is another equally qualified one that says they either are not, need more testing or not worth the risk, so increasingly informed consumers are rightly confused and cautious.
If, like you say the USDA is very close to approving this product, I would urge every apple grower in North America to think very carefully about the market implications of planting this crop.
Peter Simonsen