6 October 2006

American Biotech Researchers hosted by the United States Embassy to the Holy See, October 6, 2006

The United States Embassy to the Holy See hosted three American researchers, Mr. Lawrence Kent of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Dr. Carl Pray of Rutgers University, and Dr. Greg Traxler of Auburn University, who spoke with various Holy See interlocutors on the uses of agricultural biotechnology in fighting world poverty and hunger. The researchers discussed economic and health benefits that developing-world farmers could gain from agricultural biotechnology, noting the increased yields and lower pesticide use associated with GMO seeds. Ambassador Rooney hosted a working lunch with other Vatican-affiliated officials, which led to lively discussion on the topic.

The Danforth Center’s work on cassava, a critical non-cash crop in Africa, was of particular interest. This research addressed the question that may preoccupy the Vatican the most: how can GMO technology really help the hungry? Disease resistant, nutrient enriched cassava is one of the most important food staples being worked on at the moment; it is the source of more than fifty percent of the calories ingested by more than a third of Africa’s population.

Agriculture biotechnology is not the cure all for world hunger and poverty, but it can help alleviate many people’s suffering through health benefits, increased food supply, and increased income from better crop yields. Combined with other efforts against poverty such as education and improved medical care, biotech crops, both food and textile, can have a tremendous impact on the well-being of millions of people in the developing world.

Paolo Conversi of the Vatican with researchers Lawrence Kent, Dr. Greg Traxler, Dr. Carl Pray, and Peter Martin of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See