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Fava beans could be a new protein alternative Cas-CLOVER: An alternative to CRISPR-Cas9
Danish researchers have developed a new processing CRISPR-Cas9 has been the most utilised gene editing system used
method that may leverage fava beans as an for genetic improvement of plants, animals, and other organisms.
environmentally friendly alternative to soya. Demand However, a new gene editing technology called Cas-CLOVER was
for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products presented by Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News (GEN) in
continues to rise. Data from Mordor Intelligence reveals April this year.
that soya protein has the highest market share. However, Cas-CLOVER, developed by Hera BioLabs, is functionally similar
there are some serious red flags over the environmental to CRISPR-Cas9, but uses a different nuclease protein called Clo51.
impact of soya cultivation, researchers from the Thus, Cas-CLOVER is a fusion protein that comprises a nuclease-
University of Copenhagen’s Department of Food Science inactivated Cas9 protein fused to the Clo51 endonuclease.
have warned. Compared to CRISPR-Cas9, it demonstrates higher fidelity with no
“Many consumers are crying out for alternatives to detectable off-targets while maintaining robust editing efficiency.
soya, a crop that places great strain on the environment,” – ISAAA
says Iben Lykke Petersen, an assistant professor at
the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Food
Science, and one of the researchers behind the new Argentine soya bean crush to rise
study published in the journal Foods. “This prompted Soya bean crushing in Argentina is expected to pick up by 3,4% in
us to find a method of processing fava beans in such a the 2020/21 marketing year as strong competition in the global
way that allows us to produce a concentrated protein soya bean market will drive more beans through its domestic grind,
powder. This is excellent news for the climate.” boosting soya oil and soya meal exports.
In order to concentrate the fava bean protein and A total of 43 million tons of Argentina’s expected 53,5 million
remove substances that would inhibit digestion, the ton crop will be crushed domestically, taking up just over 80%
researchers used a method known as ‘wet fraction’. This of the total output, while soya bean exports are expected to fall
allows nutritious fava bean proteins to be more readily to 6,5 million tons. That compares to a domestic crush of 41,6
absorbed when consumed. – Food Navigator
million tons for the world’s largest meal and oil exporter in the
current marketing year, with bean exports at eight million tons
versus a smaller crop of 51 million tons.
South Australia lifts ban on GM crops Argentina bean exports are projected to decline in the face of
After 16 years and multiple attempts, South Australia strong competition from the United States and Brazil and growing
is lifting its ban on genetically modified (GM) crops domestic crush. – AgriCensus
beginning next season. The decision to lift the ban
followed an independent review that concluded that
the monetary loss since 2004 for just canola crops was
estimated to be $33 million. Symposium to tackle new era in soya marketing
The decision is being lauded by Grain Producers Taking place from 5 to 6 November, the second International
South Australia, the state’s leading lobby group for grain Symposium Soy & Strategic Marketing will involve soya market
growers, which said there is great interest in trialling GM updates, case studies on successful product introductions, and the
canola varieties currently being grown across the rest of latest on soya health claims in Europe.
the country. “A more focused product positioning is needed to boost sales.
The legislation allows for councils to remain GM-free; Research has shown that the presence of the name ‘soy’ on a label
however, to do so a council has a six-month window in can induce negative ratings of taste, but favourable ratings regarding
which to apply. Kangaroo Island will maintain the ban nutritive value. For certain consumer segments ingredient labelling
because of export market demands. However, concerns may have more favourable consequences, while for others the
remain that this might result in a patchwork across the opposite is true. Therefore, a good segmentation and positioning of
state with scattered councils maintaining the ban, which the product is essential,” say the organisers.
would create difficulties across the sector. More information is available at www.soyconference.com.
– Oilseed and Grain – Food Navigator

4 June 2020