Farm Progress America, September 3, 2024

Mike Pearson takes a look at a recent decision by the USDA to allow the cultivation of GMO wheat.

The GMO wheat variety is designed to withstand heat and drought.

HB4 was developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions from Argentina.

It is expected to improve yields by 20 percent under water limited conditions.

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says the GMO wheat does not pose any more risk than any other variety.

However, the road to commercialization may have many bumps in the road.

Some of the cautions include consumer concern and the export markets.

Wheat growers have emphasized that acceptance is necessary by by wheat export markets.

Acceptance remains a major hurdle in the markets.

However, New Zealand, Brazil and Australia have approved the GMO wheat. However, some countries will take years to to accept it.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .