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Wheat grower encouraged by deregulation of HB4 trait

The past chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates says the deregulation of a drought-tolerant wheat variety is a promising step forward.

Darren Padget tells Brownfield the HB4 trait will benefit many growers.

“But if you add say 20% to your production, that’s great, but then you’re also probably going to pay a lot more. There’s a balance in there between how much you get in return and how much more wheat you want in the surplus.”

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service deregulated HB4 in August. Padget says it’s unclear how soon genetically modified wheat could be commercially available in the U.S.

“North Asia is very opposed at this point. Mexico has kind of indicated that they have some issues. From what I’ve talked to different groups, South Asia not quite as much depends on on the country and how many empty bellies they’re trying to fill,” he says. “For it to be successful, you’ve got to have customer acceptance.”

HB4 wheat is commercially available in Argentina and Brazil.

Brownfield interviewed Padget at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention in Kansas City.

AUDIO: Darren Padget, US Wheat Associates