Biotechnology
Modern biotechnology (i.e., recombinant DNA technology and gene editing) allows for precise, effective plant breeding with genetic instead of chemical solutions to weed control or specialty oil development in canola. Herbicide-tolerant biotech canola has been widely adopted by U.S. growers due to its ability to withstand environment-friendly herbicide that knocks out multiple weeds, significantly reducing the amount and number of herbicides required to control them. Omega-3-enhanced canola enables the crop to produce the long-chain fatty acids EPA or DHA, normally made by algae and fish, to boost human nutrition. Gene editing is allowing for improvements in pod shattering, resistance to Sclerotinia, and weed control. The USCA strongly supports the use of modern biotechnology to improve agronomic and nutritional traits of canola and other crops for sustainable agriculture worldwide.
Letter to President Biden re: Mexico’s Unscientific Position on Agricultural Biotechnology 3.9.23