Why genetic engineering?
We live at a pivotal time for agriculture and nature.
The decisions we make today will have long lasting effects on our ability to restore ecosystems, curb climate change, and nourish humanity.
Genetically engineering crop plants is a powerful tool to help us achieve our ambitious goals.
For example:
Up to 40% of global crop yield is lost to disease every year, representing a $220 billion cost to the global economy.
Genetic engineering is a sustainable tool for protecting our harvests against devastating crop diseases without toxic sprays.
Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer has helped feed the world, but it also causes polluted aquatic “dead zones” and highly potent greenhouse gas emissions.
Genetic engineering can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers while maintaining crop yield.
Extreme weather like drought, flood, and heatwaves increasingly jeopardize crops and global food security.
Genetic engineering can strengthen our ability to rapidly adapt diverse crops in the face of climate volatility.
No single technology is a silver bullet, but turning our backs on genetic engineering hinders progress toward creating a more resilient and sustainable future.
That’s why I am committed to transforming how we think about the future of this technology. I hope you’ll join me.