François Houllier Item 4 EFI Position on research related to GM trees Annual Conference of EFI 2007

François Houllier

Item 4EFI Position on research related to GM trees

Annual Conference of EFI 2007

EFI Annual Conference, 6 September 20072

A position about GM tree-related research,not about GM tree-based silviculture

Doing research on a topic does neither mean that there will be

direct applications nor that such applications are desired and/or

desirable, • But, of course, research may also lead to applications …

GM-tree related research covers a wide range of topics,

disciplines and expertise• Tree biology and biotechnology• Assessment of ecological/environmental impacts• Comparative assessment of alternative silvicultural systems• Assessment of economic/social impacts• …


A statement in three parts

Context

Process

Statement


A statement in three parts:the context

Context

• “EFI Board acknowledges that GM tree-related research is a

controversial issue, with implications for many disciplines

from biology, ecology and environmental sciences, to social

and human sciences.”

• “The Board recognised its responsibility to issue a statement

on the matter and consequently initiated a process of

discussion and consideration.”ProcessStatement


The forestry context is different from the context in agriculture (1)

Reasons for that are diverse

• Feed and food uses (crops) vs. non food uses (forests)

• Trees are long-living perennial species

• Trees are large organisms

• Specific targets (e.g. lignin contents and type in trees)

• Large (GM crops: 102 Mha in 2006) vs. restricted (GM

forests) dissemination

• Different implication of large multinational companies

• Forests and trees are a symbol of ‘Nature’

• …


The forestry context is different from the context in agriculture (2)

Reasons for that are diverseAs a consequence (?), the controversy is less hot than for crops

• e.g. Number of citations under Google (25 August 2007)

• GM forest : 965 (vs. 79,000 for GM crop)

• GM tree : 919 (vs. 70,800 for GM plant)


The context:positions taken by other organizations

Several international (FAO, IUFRO Task Force « Forests and

Genetically Modified Trees ») and national organizations

(BBSRC, CSIRO, CIRAD, INRA, etc.) have expressed their

position on GMOs and/or biotechnology• either in general or with a special emphasis on research• rarely with a specific reference to forest trees

A few common features• The need for innovation and the potential role of

biotechnologies, including GM• The necessity to investigate all sorts of impacts (direct-

indirect, intentional-non intentional, short-long term, etc.)


The context:the status in the EU in 2006 (1)

GM plants (including GM trees) are a common lab tool for plant

biologists

• Contained research using indoor facilities



GM plants are a common lab tool for plant biologistsA few open-air field GM tree experiments in a few countries

presently (Poland, Germany, Finland, France, Romania, Italy,

Netherlands, Spain, Sweden) or in the past (UK, Romania,

Netherlands, Portugal)• Fruit trees: apple tree, Prunus sp., olive tree, Citrus sp.• Forest trees: poplar, aspen, silver birch, Eucalyptus• Former experiments: Norway spruce, pine, Eucalyptus• Target traits: modified wood properties, resistance to a virus,

fast growth, risk assessment (e.g. dissemination, non target

insect species)



GM plants are a common lab tool for plant biologistsA few open-air field GM tree experiments in a few countries

presently or in the pastNo commercial release (i.e. no large scale application)

• neither presently

• nor foreseen


A statement in three parts:a 3-years process

ContextProcess

• A proposal for a Project Centre in 2004

• EFI discussion paper 12 (2005)

• Discussion at the Annual Conference 2005 in Barcelona

• Electronic forum in late 2005 (open to EFI associate

members)

• EFI SAB discussed the matter and advised the Board on the

issue in August 2006Statement


A statement in three parts:the statement itself (1)

ContextProcessStatement

• “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound

and unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related

research is needed.”






research is needed. This research should:

• contribute to the maintenance and development of

autonomous multidisciplinary competences and expertise

in this field;”



Context Process Statement

• “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and

unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is

needed. This research should:

• contribute to the maintenance and development of autonomous

multidisciplinary competences and expertise in this field;

• inform the policy process; however policy, regulation and

operational functions regarding GM trees should be the

responsibility of the relevant public authorities;”



Context Process Statement

• “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and

unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is

needed. This research should:• contribute to the maintenance and development of autonomous

multidisciplinary competences and expertise in this field;• inform the policy process […]• explore alternative paths and options, and assess the various

technical, economic, social and ecological impacts, benefits,

costs and risks associated with GM trees.”






research is needed […]

• GM-tree related research should strictly comply with public

safety regulations. Forest research organizations involved in

such research should ensure that precautionary procedures

have been developed and published.”






research is needed […]

• GM-tree related research should strictly comply with public

safety regulations […]

• There is also a need for monitoring developments of

relevance to European forestry from all over the world.”


Thank you for your attentionDiscussion is welcome

Documents

François Houllier Item 4 EFI Position on research related to GM trees Annual Conference of EFI 2007