U.S. Commercial Development of Transgenic HB4 GMO Wheat is Now Underway

Organic Consumers Association
2 days ago
3 min read

**Colorado Foundation, Bioceres to Develop HB4 Wheat Commercially**

Capital Press:

“Argentina-based Bioceres Crop Solutions Corps and the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation will jointly develop and commercialize HB4 wheat in the United States.

HB4 is a transgenic wheat trait that incorporates drought tolerance transferred through a sunflower gene. According to Bioceres, HB4 wheat demonstrated up to a 43% yield improvement in targeted environments.

The USDA in August 2024 approved HB4, the first GMO trait ever deregulated in the U.S. for wheat.

As part of the collaboration, Bioceres will grant the research foundation ‘exclusive, sublicensable rights’ to the HB4 trait in the U.S. territory. The foundation will serve as ‘trait manager,’ facilitating broad access to HB4 wheat for third-party breeding programs and commercial channels, and leading engagement with U.S. stakeholders, according to a joint announcement from Bioceres and the foundation.

The parties will work together with industry participants to develop, register and commercialize new ‘broad-spectrum’ herbicide formulations tailored for HB4 wheat.”

The Colorado Wheat Research Foundation and Bioceres Corp. will jointly develop and commercialize HB$ transgenic wheat in the United States. (Courtesy Oregon Department of Agriculture) Argentina-based Bioceres Crop Solutions Corps and the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation will jointly develop and commercialize HB4 wheat in the United States.

HB4 is a transgenic wheat trait that incorporates drought tolerance transferred through a sunflower gene. According to Bioceres, HB4 wheat demonstrated up to a 43% yield improvement in targeted environments. The USDA in August 2024 approved HB4, the first GMO trait ever deregulated in the U.S. for wheat.

As part of the collaboration, Bioceres will grant the research foundation “exclusive, sublicensable rights” to the HB4 trait in the U.S. territory. The foundation will serve as “trait manager,” facilitating broad access to HB4 wheat for third-party breeding programs and commercial channels, and leading engagement with U.S. stakeholders, according to a joint announcement from Bioceres and the foundation. The parties will work together with industry participants to develop, register and commercialize new “broad-spectrum” herbicide formulations tailored for HB4 wheat. Trending Trump narrows WOTUS definition, stirring Clean Water Act controversy Former Trump ag adviser to Washington farmers: ‘You have the moral high ground’

“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,” Bioceres CEO Federico Trucco said in a statement in the announcement. “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.”

“This is an important milestone for the wheat industry and sets the stage for long-term innovation in this important crop,” said Brad Erker, executive director at the Colorado research foundation, in a statement in the announcement.

The foundation is a farmer-governed nonprofit.

“The HB4 trait will be available to any interested public or private wheat breeding program in the U.S. through an open licensing model — supporting widespread access while upholding high standards of quality, transparency and stewardship,” the announcement stated.

Bioceres will continue to lead all regulatory activities for the HB4 trait, ensuring “full alignment” with the U.S. wheat industry’s Principles for Biotechnology Commercialization.

The company must now work with seven of the top 10 customers of U.S. wheat, including Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, China, South Korea, Nigeria and Taiwan, to receive approval. Five top markets for Pacific Northwest wheat are included in those seven — the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Some of those customers are cautious or do not accept GMO wheat. Trending A good ride and no regrets for Oregon rancher Bob Skinner Trump removes tariffs on farm goods to lower food prices

The Washington Grain Commission in February delivered presentations to the state’s farmers and conducted a survey to gauge best steps forward. Growers responded that they might be interested in HB4 technology, but only if overseas customers are willing to accept it.

“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, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, in a statement. “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.”