Title: Top plant breeding techniques for improving food security: an expert Delphi survey of the opportunities and challenges

Authors: Rim Lassoued; Hayley Hesseln; Peter W.B. Phillips; Stuart J. Smyth

Addresses: Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive (3D34), Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A8, Canada ' Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive (3D34), Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A8, Canada ' Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan, 101 Diefenbaker Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B8, Canada ' Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive (3D34), Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A8, Canada

Abstract: Feeding the globe's population, projected to exceed nine billion by 2050 is a serious challenge. The application of new breeding techniques (NBTs) offers substantial potential to meet rising global food demand through sustainable intensification of agriculture. Yet, the development of crops derived from these techniques will largely depend on their regulatory approval. Using a Delphi method, we asked an international panel of experts to identify the top biotechnologies for improving global food security. Results clearly indicate that gene editing, led by CRISPR/Cas9 will be key for future crop improvements and production. In light of the debate on the future regulation of NBTs, survey results offer concrete guidance to those in a position to influence the direction of research and development and in particular to regulators.

Keywords: agricultural biotechnology; genetically modified organisms; GMO; gene editing; innovation; regulation; risk decision-making; new breeding techniques; NBTs; food security.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2018.097986

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2018 Vol.14 No.4, pp.321 - 337

Received: 06 Apr 2017
Accepted: 29 Sep 2017
Published online: 26 Feb 2019 *

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