Nebraska's Stake in Biotechnology

Statement

Nebraska's Stake in Biotechnology

By Governor Dave Heineman

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

I recently returned from a visit to Brussels, Belgium where I testified before the European Union (EU) Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. The committee is holding discussions on biotechnology in agriculture. Nebraska was invited to discuss the use of biotechnology in food production.

The invitation came after Neil Parish visited Nebraska this spring to see our agricultural production practices firsthand. Mr. Parish serves as the chairman of the EU Parliament's Agriculture Committee.

European leaders are beginning to consider whether policy changes are needed when it comes to producing food for their citizens and importing food supplies from other countries. The challenge of increasing food and fuel demands could create the potential for greater access to European markets in the years to come.

I was joined on this visit by Dr. Sally Mackenzie, a professor with the Center for Plant Science Innovation at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and several Nebraska agriculture representatives.

The University of Nebraska is engaged in a number of agricultural research programs, ranging from plant breeding studies to tracking ecological changes in field crops, as well as food safety studies and the use of new technologies on the economics of agricultural production.

Our visit before the EU Parliament's agriculture committee was an opportunity to share Nebraska's experience with integrating biotechnology and our contributions to the global food supply.

Ninety-three percent of Nebraska's 49 million acres are used for farming and ranching. With more than 40 percent of those acres devoted to range and pasture land, our state is an ideal place to raise cattle. The remaining two-thirds of our agricultural acres are devoted to crop production. Our natural resources, combined with the use of technology and bio-innovation, has helped make Nebraska one of the top five states for agricultural exports.

Nebraska has an important role to play as a net food exporter for the U.S. and the world. The growth in the world's population and the fact that people are living longer lives means demand for food is likely to continue growing. Advances in biotechnology will play an even greater role in meeting global demands for food and energy in the future.

This visit was an opportunity to share our perspective on the practices and policies in this field. Here in Nebraska, advances in biotechnology have yielded positive results, including a reduced reliance on chemicals and greater crop yields.

Establishing a reputation as a leader in agricultural production and bio-innovation will help position Nebraska as we look to continue expanding exports of raw commodities and the foods produced in our state.

Source