Can we edit our way into the future of food?

By 2050, the global population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion, requiring an approximate 60% increase in food production to meet demand. Yet, agriculture faces unprecedented challenges: climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and the urgent need to reduce food waste. 

Could gene editing be the solution? Unlike genetic modifications (GM) that introduce foreign DNA, gene editing precisely alters—or scissors—the DNA of crops, fruits, and even fish, to engineer resilient, high-yielding, and sustainable food solutions. Experts believe this technology replicates traditional plant breeding.

Join us as we explore the topic in this latest newsletter.

🧬 Gene Editing Goes Commercial

Tropic’s Non-Browning Bananas

UK-based Tropic Biosciences is rolling out its first ‘gene knock out’ innovations: 

1. non-browning bananas in March.
2. Extended shelf-life varieties expected by year’s end - providing companies with 10 extra days to collect, transport, and deliver bananas.

Tropic is also launching its unique gene silencing technology to help Cavendish bananas fight a fungal disease decimating Cavendish crops across the globe.

This technology could be a game-changer for food waste, considering bananas are one of the most discarded fruits globally.

Inari’s big time funding for Seed Innovation

US-based Inari, a startup specializing in gene-edited seeds, has recently raised $144M - marking $720 million in cumulative funding - to accelerate commercialization. Its SEEDesign platform uses AI-predictive design to identify where and how to edit plant DNA - think of it as a gene editing blueprint for experts to work with.

With this edge-cutting technology and strong financial position, the company aims to bring more resilient crops to market in the near future.

Gene Editing Meets AI to Engineer Resilient Wheat

Australia’s state-run InterGrain is preparing for a major trial of gene-edited wheat purchased from Inari, promising greater drought resistance and better yields.

The mission? Stronger and bigger crops with at least 10% yield improvement and 10-15 times faster breeding processes.

InterGrain hopes to have its seeds ready for commercialization in 2028.

Is there such a thing as ChatGPT for proteins? 

• AI platforms and gene editing are transforming human therapies

🤝 Partnerships for Progress

Gene-Edited Tilapia for Sustainable Aquaculture  

The leading Tilapia producer Brazilian Fish has partnered with the US Center for Aquaculture Technologies to accelerate breeding efficiency from 20 years down to a single year.

After two years of structuring and editing under the National Technical Commission for Biosafety (CTNBio) regulations, this gene editing project has its first fish ready for performance evaluations.

Corteva and Gates Ag One Empower Small Farmers

By 2050, climate change could reduce yields for some crops by up to 35%, and the most impacted regions are among the least responsible.

That’s why US agribusiness giant Corteva has partnered with the non-profit Gates Ag One to develop climate-resilient crops for smallholder farmers, particularly in developing nations. This collaboration could democratize access to cutting-edge gene-editing technology and strengthen food security in vulnerable regions.

 🔬Research

Barley’s New Shield: Hungarian Researchers Combating Fungal Diseases

A team of cereal grain experts in Hungary has introduced a novel gene-editing method to create high-yielding and pathogen-resistant cereal varieties. Its barley, which is resistant to a potent fungal disease spreading across Europe, has been nominated for state recognition as a viable solution that prioritizes plant, animal, human, and environmental health.

📚 Educational Resources: Gene Editing 101

Understand Gene Editing: The Britannica Guide

For those seeking a foundational understanding of gene editing, Britannica’s comprehensive guide covers the history, techniques, and ethical debates surrounding this transformative technology.  

🌐Community: Building Bridges

SAI Platform: Collaborating for Sustainable Agriculture

The Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform brings together companies and organizations to foster collaboration, grow collective knowledge databases, and provide programs and tools.  

Psst! Its next webinar introducing the Regenerating Together Assessment Tool is scheduled for the 12th of March.

📅 Events to keep an eye on

For the agricultural and biotech researchers out there, set aside the 3rd of March in your diaries to attend these key events:

The International Conference on Agriculture, Agronomy and Sciences (ICAACS)

Happening in Arizona, Bangkok, Barcelona, Rome, Taipei, and Haifa

The International Conference on Agriculture and Biotechnology (ICAB)

Also in Arizona, Barcelona, Rome, Bangkok, Taipei, and Haifa

Gene editing is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s making an impact. From bananas that refuse to brown to AI-enhanced wheat breeding, these innovations are reshaping agriculture

But with rapid advancements come important ethical and regulatory discussions. As the industry moves forward, collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and businesses will be key to ensuring these technologies benefit both people and the planet.

📩 If you enjoyed this newsletter, share it with a friend or colleague who’s curious about the future of food,

Until next time!

Nina Purton

Bio Sourced