CNA debates planting transgenic wheat at the Winter Crops Sector Chamber

The Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA) debated, on Tuesday (18/04), the opportunities for planting transgenic wheat (HB4) in the country at the Winter Crops Sector Chamber of the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the president of the National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio), Paulo Barroso, transgenic wheat HB4 is the first cereal technology with tolerance to drought and salinity. He explained that the new protein (HB4) in wheat comes from sunflower, where the history of consumption is old and safe.

For CNA's technical advisor, Tiago Pereira, the new technology will serve as an input to expand wheat production in Brazil, if productivity and competitiveness in relation to existing varieties are proven.

The president of the Chamber, Hamilton Jardim, commented on the difficulties regarding agricultural insurance for the crop and the crop failures for at least two years, even with the crops sown within the ideal window.

Another aggravating factor in the current situation is the low prices of wheat, which compromise producers' margins given the rise in rental costs, in addition to lower rural insurance coverage.

The collegiate prepares a document with subsidies to request changes and suggestions from the General Coordination of Rural Insurance of the Ministry of Agriculture.

To learn more about wheat HB4, read the article in Revista Cultivar.