The Next Frontier in Food Biotechnology: the Gene-Edited PRRS-Resistant Pig | June 10, 2025

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. 

Charlie Arnot is recognized as a thought leader in food and agriculture. He is highly regarded as both a writer and sought-after speaker who engages audiences across the globe. Charlie has more than 25 years of experience working in communications, public relations and issues management within the food system. He serves as CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, a international non-profit organization dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in today’s food system. 

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.