Innovation vs regulation: Michael Leader on whether ag is getting the balance right

The biotech at the fingertips of farmers is super exciting. But is regulation keeping pace with scientific leaps?

Biotech like gene editing has the potential to revolutionise the industry - by not only enhancing crop yields, but supporting sustainable farming practices, and helping address global climate change and food security. 

Michael Leader's job with Bayer is an interesting one - he's the bridge connecting the science labs and the regulators; translating complex new biotech innovation to policy makers. 

 
In this chat Michael discusses the legislative hurdles for biotech, use of AI in new crop protection technologies, the new biotech in the pipeline for farmers, and the careers in agriculture that go beyond the paddock. 

Michael Leader is the Regulatory Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Manager for the Asia region, for Bayer Crop Science Australia.

Takeaways

• Michael's background in law and molecular biology, and now working in regulatory policy in agriculture
• The opportunities in the Asian region for applying biotech, with policy stagnating ag innovation tools to date
• Biotechnology has evolved significantly over the past 30 years but GM breeding typically takes 16 years to get to market and $100m in research and regulatory costs
• Activism continues to challenge the acceptance of biotechnology
• There is a need for regulatory reform to accommodate new technologies
• The lack of distinction between the definitions of 'genome editing' and 'genetically modified' is inhibiting workable regulatory framework
• Future agricultural innovations could address climate change and food security
• Bayer is proactive with transparency, showing their biotech studies online and using Open Labs 360, a self-guided virtual reality tour of labs and fields to understand regulatory and safety data

Chapters

03:06 The Intersection of Law and Molecular Biology

05:58 Career Journey in Regulatory Policy

09:03 Current Work and Responsibilities at Bayer

12:08 Opportunities in Asian Agriculture

17:57 Challenges and Misconceptions in Biotechnology

23:55 Regulatory Hurdles in Biotechnology

26:58 Future of Agricultural Innovation

Links:

• Learn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
• More episodes at Humans of Agriculture

This is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities.