Michael Specter, who writes for The New Yorker and is currently working on a book about the breakthrough technology of gene editing, served as keynote speaker. He then led a conversation with a renowned panel of pork industry experts who each shared their perspective on the role of this emerging technology.

Specter explained the importance of gene editing in modern farming:

Gene editing is a potentially revolutionary tool that will improve the lives of humans in clear and tangible ways. And we may well see the first widely accepted benefits in animals and plants. There is a clear opportunity for the agriculture industry to lead the way.

In its simplest definition, gene editing technology allows for precise changes to be made to the DNA of living cells, which holds the potential to eradicate diseases, transform agriculture and enable massive leaps forward in environmental and life science. Specter and the panel’s presentation in Kansas City offered a single forum for those with a stake in pork production to share ideas on its application to the global pork industry. The panel of experts, facilitated by Specter, included:

• Charlie Arnot, CEO of Look East and an industry leader on food and agriculture issues, offered insight into consumer social acceptance of gene editing.
• Dan Kovich, a veterinarian and director of science and technology with the National Pork Producers Council, discussed the current regulatory environment for this emerging technology.
• Kevin Wells is on the animal science faculty at the University of Missouri’s college of agriculture, food and natural resources. With a PhD in genetics, Wells highlighted the scientific benefits associated with gene editing.
• Bradley Wolter, is president of The Maschhoffs LLC, and a pork producer in Illinois. Wolter, who has a doctorate in swine growth and development, reviewed gene editing’s potential on-farm application.

Charlie Arnot explained:

We have to start now by generating social acceptance of gene editing.

That means overcoming the public’s scientific illiteracy by opening a dialogue to build both acceptance and support. This will allow us to move forward as a society.

Kevin Wells added:

Acceptance of gene editing faces its distinct challenges – and largest among them is public perception.

What is so unique to gene editing is that there is no biological reason to regulate the technology. However, that could well be the first step in growing consumer acceptance.

Bradley Wolter, The Maschhoffs, sees concrete on-farm application of gene editing despite being so early in its development and acceptance:

It will have a positive impact on livestock production, making pigs resistant to diseases and improving food safety, animal welfare and environmental impact, however, you cannot invest in a technology without clearly understanding the regulatory environment.

Dan Kovich, National Pork Producers Council, believes the risks associated with gene-editing are high:

A one-size-fits all regulatory approach will not work for many emerging technologies, but especially for gene editing.

A path forward exists, allowing for regulatory scrutiny, but trade-offs may be required. We need to establish a risk-based regulatory framework.

Toward that end, gene editing technology will move forward in an environment that acknowledges public interest while simultaneously encouraging investment for its expansion. Wells noted that China already is looking to the future of gene editing by investing approximately $15 billion in animal sciences.

The National Pork Industry Forum continues through Friday, 2 March.

As reported by Pork Checkoff