(NAFB.com) – U.S. Wheat Association commended the USDA for its thorough, science-based process resulting in the deregulation of the HB4 drought-tolerant trait from Bioceres Crop Solutions. The farmer leaders of USW are confident that the trait has the potential to deliver significant producer and consumer benefits. Although USDA’s ruling clears the regulatory pathway for the cultivation of HB4 wheat in the U.S., there are several additional steps needed before those benefits are realized and HB4 is grown commercially. “Wherever wheat is grown in the world, drought takes its toll on yields and quality, so an innovation like HB4 holds a lot of interest for growers like me,” says USW Past Chair Michael Peters. “With global wheat demand hitting new records almost every year, there is concern about variable production.” In addition to FDA approval in 2022, the company received regulatory approval for food and feed use in Nigeria, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and South Africa.