Commercial use of genetically modified conifers is now underway with field trials concentrated in the southern United States. Opposition has ranged from requests for a planting moratorium to threats of ecoterrorism. This tension will only grow as genomics continues to provide gene discovery available for genetic modification. Similarly, policy has not progressed as fast as technology. By default, agricultural policies cover forest management in the US yet few decision makers are clear about the many ways in which genetically modified forests deviate from GM food crops. Balanced, open dialogue is needed to find common-interest solutions.
The 2004 Nicholas School Forum at Duke University will open dialogue about genetic composition of US forests. Attendees will identify emerging issues for forest genomics portfolios, ecosystem interface, landowners, regulations and community perspective. The forum has attracted inclusive participation by science writers, employees of biotechnology firms and timber corporations, non-government activists, students, university faculty, state and federal government officials and foresters. Eminent international speakers will broaden perspective on this regional and national issue. Forum organizer Claire Williams and her colleagues will complete an edited volume entitled 'Landscapes, Genomics and Transgenic Conifer Forests' to be published by Kluwer-Springer by summer 2005. Our participatory forum on genetically modified conifers is designed to catalyze similar venues in the US and other countries.
