Towards equitable public sector plant breeding in the United States

Abstract

Plant breeding is central to agriculture and shifts in plant breeding practices (e.g., hybrid development) and selection goals (e.g., response to synthetic fertilizer) have catalyzed monumental and persistent changes in agricultural production systems of all scales with social, political, economic, and environmental repercussions. Although plant breeders are largely trained in the sciences of biology, genetics, and statistics, we posit an ethical imperative to examine the degree of equity with which the benefits of new research and plant cultivars are distributed. In the United States, the history of plant breeding parallels the colonial history of agriculture, which compels reflection by current plant breeders about their role in shaping our agricultural system. In this perspective essay, we examine longstanding ideas about equitable food systems through the lens of public plant breeding in the United States. We propose a framework for equitable plant breeding with respect to both its process and outcomes, and we intend for the ideas presented herein to catalyze reflection, discussions, and actions as the plant breeding community seeks greater equity in the food and seed systems our work supports.

Northern Wild Rice (Zizania palustris L.) breeding, genetics, and conservation

“…It is important for researchers to think broadly about how to address the concerns and needs of diverse parties with differing interests, perspectives, and worldviews. Several papers have recently been written on the topics of inclusivity and equity in the academy, many of which have provided context for collaborations with Native peoples (Fitzgerald & Hinson, 2013;Lonczak et al, 2013;Matson et al, 2021;Stampfer et al, 2019) including some within public plant breeding spheres (Brzozowski et al, 2022;Khush et al, 1995). As a starting point, we highly recommend Brzozowski et al (2022) for plant breeders who aim to build a more inclusive and equitable plant breeding program; we relied on it heavily when evaluating our own work in cultivated wild rice.…”

“…Several papers have recently been written on the topics of inclusivity and equity in the academy, many of which have provided context for collaborations with Native peoples (Fitzgerald & Hinson, 2013;Lonczak et al, 2013;Matson et al, 2021;Stampfer et al, 2019) including some within public plant breeding spheres (Brzozowski et al, 2022;Khush et al, 1995). As a starting point, we highly recommend Brzozowski et al (2022) for plant breeders who aim to build a more inclusive and equitable plant breeding program; we relied on it heavily when evaluating our own work in cultivated wild rice. In addition, Matson et al (2021) highlights potential steps to incorporate indigenous knowledge as well as Tribal concerns when developing research using wild rice as a case study (Matson et al, 2021).…”

“…As a starting point, we highly recommend Brzozowski et al. (2022) for plant breeders who aim to build a more inclusive and equitable plant breeding program; we relied on it heavily when evaluating our own work in cultivated wild rice. In addition, Matson et al.…”

Untitled

“…Prior to the 1960s, plant breeding in the U.S. was managed largely by public breeders at 1862 land-grant universities ( 1862LGUs) that have traditionally received a greater proportion of resources compared to non-1862 institutions. As the demand for maize produced in more environmentally friendly and equitable agroecosystems grows, recognizing and integrating the needs identified by researchers serving across all LGUs, minorityserving institutions, and federal institutions (such as the USDA ARS and USDA Economic Research Service [USDA ERS]) become crucial (Brzozowski et al, 2022). Ganning et al (2012) highlighted the potential of LGUs to serve as "regional resources for a new era of agricultural development" (p. 493) particularly through community-university partnerships that emphasize inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices.…”

“…Ganning et al (2012) highlighted the potential of LGUs to serve as "regional resources for a new era of agricultural development" (p. 493) particularly through community-university partnerships that emphasize inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices. The recent trends toward the development of a more resilient food system that use sustainable production practices has brought renewed focus to the leadership that can be generated from within LGUs (Brzozowski et al, 2022;Lyon et al, 2021;Shelton & Tracy, 2016). We recognize that disparities among LGUs exist, but the adoption of inclusive approaches can rejuvenate public research and development, begin to address historic structural inequities (Partridge, 2023) and be integral in shaping resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems.…”