GM Wheat Collaboration Announced

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (DTN) -- More than a year after federal regulators approved the cultivation of a drought-tolerant genetically modified (GM) wheat in the United States, the Argentinian company developing the technology has officially named its U.S. partner.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Bioceres Crop Solution Corp. announced a strategic collaboration with the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation (CWRF) to jointly develop and eventually commercialize its HB4 wheat technology in the states. Bioceres will grant the foundation exclusive, sublicensable rights to the HB4 trait in the United States. As trait manager, CWRF will facilitate access for third-party breeding programs and commercial channels while leading engagement with U.S. stakeholders.

As a GM crop, HB4 wheat contains HaHB4, a transcription factor isolated from sunflower that modulates the expression of several hundred genes providing drought tolerance. In the face of drought, HB4 generates more antioxidant and osmoprotectant molecules, delaying cellular deterioration and allowing the plant to maintain photosynthesis until rain returns. HB4 wheat also is tolerant to glufosinate herbicide.

In announcing its partnership with CWRF, Bioceres also stated the parties will work with industry participants to develop, register and commercialize new broad-spectrum herbicide formulations tailored for HB4 wheat. These formulations will "be developed in combination with Bioceres' biological solutions, to deliver an advanced, sustainable system," that promotes environmental safety and enhances performance.

"This collaboration marks a significant step forward for HB4 wheat in the United States and aligns with our renewed seed strategy: to focus on our core strength of developing cutting-edge science and to partner with top-tier industry players to bring it to life through breeding and commercialization," said Bioceres CEO Federico Trucco in a company press release. "By combining our HB4 trait platform with CWRF's industry leadership, we are building the foundation for a next-generation wheat production system that enhances grower profitability and aligns with global sustainability goals."

Wednesday's announcement of the collaboration between Bioceres and CWRF was likely old news to investors. Trucco referenced it during Bioceres' fiscal fourth quarter earnings call in September 2024, noting at the time that the two were developing seven materials "targeting the Hard Red Wheat footprint, both winter and spring."

A transcript from that earnings call can be found here: https://s26.q4cdn.com/….

The HB4 trait will be available to any interested public or private wheat breeding program in the U.S. through an open licensing model, Bioceres stated.

"This is an important milestone for the wheat industry and sets the stage for long-term innovation in this important crop," said Brad Erker, CWRF executive director. "We are proud to support open and inclusive access to HB4 technology and to lead U.S. stakeholder engagement to ensure its responsible rollout."

Bioceres will continue to lead all regulatory activities for the biotech trait, ensuring full alignment with the "Wheat Industry Principles for Biotechnology Commercialization." Adopted by the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) in 2008, the principles outline how transgenic wheat traits should be commercialized to best meet the U.S. wheat industries' needs.

Essentially, any trait coming to market needs to do so in a way that benefits the U.S. wheat producer and doesn't disrupt markets unnecessarily. The technology provider must also seek and receive regulatory approval in key U.S. wheat exports markets, which have been defined as those representing at least 5% of normal export volume based on the five-year average.

USW welcomed the announcement of the collaboration.

"We recognize the opportunities this advancement in breeding technology will bring to U.S. wheat production and look forward to seeing how this trait performs in U.S.-developed varieties," said Mike Spier, USW president and CEO, in a statement. "We are also listening closely to our U.S. wheat farmer-leaders and our global customers, which is why we especially appreciate the commitment of Bioceres and CWRF to the Wheat Industry Principles for Biotechnology Commercialization.

"The continued open conversations as HB4 wheat enters the wheat-breeding pipeline ensure our customers know their concerns are being heard and that the U.S. wheat store will remain open to meet their desired preferences for wheat purchases," he added.

In 2024, the United States became the fourth country in the world to approve cultivation of HB4 wheat, joining Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the wheat for food and feed use in 2022. Other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia, Colombia and Chile also have approved the technology for food and feed use.

Read more from DTN:

"USDA Gives GM Wheat the Green Light," https://www.dtnpf.com/… .

"Genetically Modified Wheat Could Provide Drought Relief," https://www.dtnpf.com/… .

Jason Jenkins can be reached at jason.jenkins@dtn.com

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