ASPB member Arntzen testifies at Congressional hearing on plant biotechnology and genome research

ASPB Member Charles Arntzen of Arizona State University and NSF Assistant Director for the Biological Sciences Division Mary Clutter testified before the U.S. House Science Subcommittee on Research Tuesday, September 25. Others testifying were Catherine Ives of Michigan State University and Robert Paarlberg of Wellesley College.

The hearing addressed legislation proposed to expand plant genome research (H.R. 2051) and legislation authorizing NSF to establish research partnerships for supporting the development of plant research targeted to the needs of the developing world (H.R. 2912).

H.R. 2051 would authorize NSF to establish regional plant genome and gene expression research and development centers to: (1) develop capabilities in basic plant genome research; (2) extend basic plant genomics research through plant breeding programs and accelerate its application to the development and testing of new varieties of enhanced food crops and crops that can be used as alternative energy sources; (3) develop alternative uses of agricultural crops; and (4) serve as centers for scientific and safety information on plant genomics. If passed, the bill would authorize appropriations in the amount of $3 million for Fiscal Year 2002 and $4.5 million for Fiscal Year 2003. Research Subcommittee Chair Nick Smith (R-MI) authored the bill. The full text of this and all bills can be found by putting in the bill number (H.R. 2051 in this instance) at the following web site http://thomas.loc.gov/ (The bill number entry section is on the top left of the home page of this web site.)

H.R. 2912 authorizes NSF to establish research partnerships for supporting the development of plant research targeted to the needs of the developing world, including: (1) basic genomic research on crops grown in the developing world; (2) development of plant biotechnologies that will advance and expedite the development of improved crop species, including those that are pest-resistant, produce increased yield, or demonstrate increased tolerance to stress; (3) development of technologies to produce pharmaceutical compounds such as vaccines and medications in plants that can be grown in the developing world; and (4) research on the impact of plant biotechnology on the social, political, and economic conditions in countries in the developing world. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Ranking Democrat on the Research Subcommittee, authored the bill. If passed, the bill would authorize appropriations in the amount of $6 million for Fiscal Year 2002, $9 million for Fiscal Year 2003 and $9 million for Fiscal Year 2004.

In his testimony before the Subcommittee, Arntzen explained the need for and the advances in his research on plants genetically engineered to produce edible vaccines for afflictions such as enteric diseases. Arntzen said he documented the need for improved vaccines in an article published in Nature Medicine. He noted that each year diarrhea kills about two and one-half million children, primarily in the developing world. Arntzen included with his presentation full-color computer-projected images of his research on several screens of the Science Committee hearing room.

Mary Clutter explained how virtual centers supported by NSF’s plant genome research program are making advances in areas such as: gene discovery in aid of plant nutrition, human health and environmental remediation; functional genomics research on soybean; structure and function research on the expressed portion of the wheat genomes; and on tools for potato structural and functional genomics.

With regard to the proposed legislation reviewed by the Committee at the hearing, Clutter said: “While both bills are consistent with activities currently funded through NSF, they do not appear to provide NSF with authority it does not already have. In addition, legislation was not requested by the Administration in these areas…..I believe that NSF’s; major strength is in its support of basic research….One of the most effective ways to foster knowledge and technology transfer to the developing world would be to make all the data, information and materials freely available through the training of scientists from the developing world and the networking of scientists worldwide.

Mary Clutter’s and Arntzen’s written statements and the statements of other witnesses can be found at http://www.house.gov/science/research/reshearings.htm

The Committee is expected to revise and mark up (vote on) the legislation as early as October 18, 2001.