ASPP members Dr. Michael Thomashow of Michigan State University and Dr. Jim Cook of Washington State University testified at a Congressional hearing on "Plant Genome Science: From the Lab to the Field to Market, Part2" October 5.

The hearing was held by the House Science Subcommittee on Basic Research chaired by Congressman Nick Smith (R-MI). Smith is holding a series of hearings on plant genomic research supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Smith's subcommittee has authorizing jurisdiction over NSF. Smith's comments indicated his strong support for genomics research and for research using biotechnology

Thomashow discussed a range of research efforts using biotechnology that will offer value-added benefits including crops engineered for improved crop production; crops engineered for improved human health; and crops engineered for alternative non-food uses. He pointed out the value offered by research that leads to: herbicide-resistant crops; crops with improved stress tolerance; food crops with increased vitamin and mineral content; and plants engineered to be edible vaccines for use against illnesses afflicting humans.

Cook pointed out that genetic modification of plants has occurred for many years. He remarked on the very impressive environmental safety record that is found in using plants as crops to produce food, fiber and other products. Cook noted that genetic modification of crop plants can result in increased benefits for the environment. For example, herbicide resistant crops can reduce the need for soil tillage by farmers. Cook added that there are effective performance trial and institutional review safeguards in place to help assure the safety of genetically modified crops.

In the first round of hearings on Plant Genome research held August 3 by Congressman Smith's subcommittee, ASPP Past President Ken Keegstra of Michigan State University; ASPP member John Ryals, President and CEO of Paradigm Genetics; Mary Clutter, NSF Assistant Director; Eileen Kennedy, USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics; and Susanne Huttner of the University of California were the hearing witnesses. (See story in September/October issue of ASPP News.)