34 GERMINATION.CA SEPTEMBER 2017 “Gene editing is one tool of many that breeders can use. We are not going to feed the world because of gene editing, but because plant breeders have access to all the tools available.” Drive for Consistency Consistent policies are not only important for seed trade, but also other parts of the value chain, particularly com- modities and the grain trade, both of which depend on uninterrupted trade. “We are all familiar with the issues of asynchronous approvals,” Slutsky points out. “From that perspective, we have to work with downstream partners on the end goal, as farmers want an array of technologies available. But farmers need reassurance that they will have a market for their product. From a grain trade perspective, consistency is most important.” The other half of the equation is innovation. “The important piece is that the policies put in place shouldn’t be unnecessarily burdensome, and they should foster innovation,” she says. Adrian Percy, Bayer’s global head of research and development, favors a harmonized regulatory system. “Of course, it has to be a reasonable system that encourages innovation and one that allows us to support sustainable agriculture,” he says. With so much at stake and the importance of plant breeding innovations to agriculture’s ability to provide the feed, food, fiber and fuel needed in a sustainable way, researchers need access to all the tools in their toolbox. The next two years are going to be pivotal, Keller adds. “Governments are actively discussing this topic, and it’s been in the press a great deal,” he says. “We need to stay ahead of the curve. Our focus is clearly plant breed- ing innovation. It’s the No. 1 priority for the entire indus- try — all players and all crops. It affects everyone.” “WEARENOTGOINGTOFEEDTHEWORLDBECAUSE OFGENEEDITING,BUTBECAUSEPLANTBREEDERS HAVEACCESSTOALLTHETOOLSAVAILABLE.” –BerniceSlutsky