The Next Frontier in Food Biotechnology: the Gene-Edited PRRS-Resistant Pig

Includes a Live Web Event on 06/10/2025 at 11:00 AM (EDT)

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In a milestone decision, FDA recently approved development and commercialization of a gene-edited PRRS-Resistant Pig. Positive regulatory determinations have already been received in Columbia, Brazil, and Dominican Republic. Join the FMI Foundation for a discussion of market implications, commercialization timelines, and consumer information resources regarding this new development in food biotechnology. The webinar, free to FMI members, will feature Banks Baker, Senior Director, New Product Strategy for Pig Improvement Company (PIC), North America.

FMI Members will be redirected to FMI's online store to complete your $0.00 purchase, then can return to this page to access the live presentation.

Banks Baker

Senior Director, New Product Strategy

PIC

Banks Baker is Senior Director of New Product Strategy for PIC, a global animal genetics and biotechnology company.  He is responsible for the global introduction and launch of one of the first gene edits for commercial livestock, a pig that is resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus.

Banks supports genetic improvement and gene editing as a way to continually improve animal agriculture and provide holistic benefits across the value chain, including improved animal welfare, reduced environmental impact, and more efficient protein production.

Previously, Banks led protein sustainability for McDonald’s USA, creating and implementing greenhouse gas reduction strategies and managing animal health and welfare commitments and antibiotic policies. 

Prior to McDonald’s Banks established a regenerative agriculture research department for a private operating non-profit foundation and managed farms and ranches across the United States. 

Banks has an undergraduate business degree from Warren Wilson College and holds master’s degrees in agriculture and business from Colorado State University and The University of Notre Dame.

David Fikes

Executive Director

FMI Foundation

David Fikes is the Executive Director of the FMI Foundation, which has the mission of supporting the food industry through a focus on research and education in the areas of food safety and health and well-being. His position allows him to act upon his conviction that humans have a right to safe food and consumers have a right to clear information and viable choices.

Formerly, David served as FMI's Vice President for Communication and Consumer/Community Relations and before joining FMI he was the Director of Communication for the American Frozen Food Institute. Prior to entering the world of food trade associations, he worked for 20 years as an Episcopal priest, serving parishes in Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.

He and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of Harper whose soccer skills have now exceeded those of her Dad.