TJ Higgins – The Conversation

Jose Barrero

April 24, 2025

Ghana’s first genetically modified crop: why we created a new cowpea variety, how we tested it and what we found

Jose Maria Barrero, CSIRO; Gloria A. Adazebra, CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute; Jerry A. Nboyine, CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, and TJ Higgins, CSIRO

Research results demonstrate the potential of GM cowpea to enhance yields and profitability for resource-poor farmers.

Cowpea, also known as Black Eyed Pea, is a staple crop in Nigeria. Photo by FlowerPhotos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

January 27, 2020

Nigeria has given a new GM cowpea variety the go ahead. Why it matters

Jose Maria Barrero, CSIRO and TJ Higgins, CSIRO

Nigeria recently approved the world’s first GM cowpea, which provides full protection against the pod-borer Maruca, a major problem for this important crop.

Malcolm Turnbull has now announced his strategy to promote innovation and science in Australia. AAP/Lukas Coch

December 7, 2015

Expert panel: what the national innovation statement means for science

TJ Higgins, CSIRO; Caroline McMillen, University of Newcastle; Jeffrey Rosenfeld, Monash University, and Nalini Joshi, University of Sydney

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today announced the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA). Here’s what it means for science, commercialisation and industry in Australia.

The world’s population will be 9 billion by 2100. How will we feed ourselves? Herry Lawford/Wikimedia Commons

April 7, 2011

Time to modify the GM debate

TJ Higgins, CSIRO

FOOD SECURITY - Here’s how things stand. More than 500 million farmers produce crops and livestock that can feed nearly 7 billion people, and yet 1 billion still go hungry. It’s estimated that the world’s…

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