Genome sequencing in food and agricultureMASAMI TAKEUCHI, FOOD SAFETY OFFICER, FAO

Food and AgricultureOrganization of theUnited Nations

Genome sequencing: What is it?

What do sequenced data look like?

Technology is “rapidly” advancing

More understanding of Genetics◦ One understanding leads to 100s and 1,000s of new discoveries

Improvement of sequencers and other equipment + supplies◦ One sequencing cycle can perform “whole genome sequencing”◦ More user-friendly and easy-to-operate sequencers◦ Drastic decrease of the cost for one run (compare to early

2000s) Improvement of IT capacity and functions

◦ Computer performance◦ Data storage◦ Memory chips◦ Data transfer (through cables, internet, etc)

Why is it significantly relevant to FAO?

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (DDNC)

Animal Genetic Resources (AGAG)◦ Molecular genetic characterization of animal genetic resources (for biodiversity and production)

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (AGDT)◦ Global information system for plant genetic resources (for biodiversity and production)

Animal Health Service (AGAH)◦ Genome sequencing of pathogens (microorganisms) for animal diseases detection and prevention

Food Safety and Quality (AGFF)◦ Genome sequencing of foodborne pathogens (microorganisms) for detection, source-tracking and disease

prevention

Joint FAO/IAEA Division (AGE)◦ Sequencing approaches to improve food and agriculture using nuclear and related technologies

What does it mean to FAO Members?

Initial reactions◦ Another new technology? Do we need it?◦ Great technology to solve many problems! We need to

implement now.◦ Academia/research sectors have their capacity but there is no

need to consider this for our governmental activities.◦ The technology must be extremely expensive.◦ Don’t we have other priorities than such a fancy technology to deal with?◦ This is too advanced for my country.◦ We need to first have our capacity and resources, then we can consider

technological assistance.

Reality Several industrialized countries are already applying the technology for plant and animal production, management of biodiversity, animal and foodborne disease control and prevention, regulatory activities including import and export food inspections. Relevant databases already exist in various formats.

WHO Members requested WHO to fully utilize the technology to combat diseases like Ebola and Zika, and facilitate sequenced data to be immediately shared internationally.

OIE has adopted the technology to be considered for their standard setting activities and database development.

Various socio-economic, ethical and legal issues have been emerging – in particular on the topic of international (or bilateral/multilateral) data-sharing

Impact on developing countries Priority conflict Cost issues: is it a benefit or a drawback? Data storage and transfer: infrastructure issues Capacity in interpretation of the data Possible imbalanced trade opportunity Trust issues Need for basic technical surroundings Gap between developed countries and developing countries

“The world of knowledge”(research production, early 2000s)

Why discussing now? FAO: Member-driven organization

◦ All activities: in response to the official requests by FAO Members◦ Limitation: request on new technological development may be delayed◦ Genome sequencing: changes in its environment and requirement occur in an

extremely short time

Proactive planning and actions are key◦ Benefits for all Members◦ Every single country has a say

Issues around Global Databases◦ There are more than several global databases already exist, and developing◦ Harmonization is critical◦ Ensuring accessibility and equal opportunity

Networking and information exchange

Capacity development assistance

Providing a meeting place for nations

©FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto. Editorial use only. Copyright ©FAO.

Technical Meeting on the impact of WGS on food safety management23-25 May 2016http://tiny.cc/faowgs Meeting recordings:

http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/4089/icode/ http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/4111/icode/ http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/4112/icode/ http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/4113/icode/ http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/4115/icode/ http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/4114/icode/