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Biosafety institute asks questions, finds answers An Iowa farmer holds a handful of seeds, knowing that the plant to come from them can produce medicinal benefits 14 times cheaper than pharmaceuticals created in laboratory bacteria. Food companies wonder if these proteins will end up in their food. Iowans, like the rest of the world, want and need answers to better understand genetically modified agricultural products. Answers are coming from an Iowa State University institute, BIGMAP (Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products). The institute is conducting research and analyzing the risks in order to provide answers. “ The purpose of BIGMAP is to provide science-based, independent, unbiased information to the public and to decision-makers regarding the risks or lack of risks associated with modified plants and animals,” said Manjit Misra, BIGMAP director. “BIGMAP is a partnership of many campus entities, with the College of Agriculture taking the lead.” ISU partners include ISU Extension, the office of the Vice Provost for Research, the Plant Sciences Institute, Veterinary Medicine and the National Animal Disease Center. Core funding comes from an Iowa State initiative created by President Gregory Geoffroy to fund innovative projects. The Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa Cooperative and the Iowa AgState Group contribute external funding. “ This is a case where regulations have not yet caught up with the science, and some activist groups want more information,” said Bill Horan of Iowa Cooperative. “Biotechnology is so new that there is not widespread understanding. Before BIGMAP there was no ‘Underwriters Laboratory’ type entity to develop methodologies to endorse the safe technologies.” BIGMAP is becoming that entity and taking the concept to a level that includes the social, economic and environmental issues of genetically modified agriculture products. The recent addition of Jeff Wolt, ISU Extension agronomist and BIGMAP risk analyst, will help the institute address those many areas. “My role is to formulate the questions that need to be addressed and communicate our findings,” Wolt said. “We integrate diverse expertise from campus and beyond to determine the potential harm to human health, animal health and environmental quality that may occur in realistic situations.” BIGMAP is exploring many questions, but the first issue recognized and the topic of the institute’s initial symposium is the process of producing corn with pharmaceutical properties and identifying best management practices for each critical step — from seed to shelf. “Before we can manage biotechnology, we need to strengthen decision-making by providing a foundation of scientific knowledge,” Wolt said. “Increasing the knowledge base of the public and the people making decisions is a very important part of BIGMAP.” Many believe it also is important to Iowa’s future. “We must overcome fears of food stuff contamination and see the opportunities,” said Mike Fastenau, Iowa Department of Economic Development business assistance manager. “Iowa has the agricultural infrastructure in place -- production, transportation and processing. BIGMAP can guide us safely into the future.” |
The Extension Connection is a quarterly publication of Iowa State University Extension. Laura Sternweis, editor, lsternwe@iastate.edu Nondiscrimination statement and information disclosures Last update: July 2004
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ISU
President Gregory Geoffroy addresses guests of BIGMAP’s Corn-Produced
Pharmaceuticals and Industrials Risk Assessment Symposium.