China Approves Genome-Edited Soybean to Strengthen Its Food Production
In an effort to increase food production, China has authorized the safety of a genome-edited soybean, the nation's first approval of the technology in a crop.
China has recently granted safety approval for its pioneering genome-edited crop, a soybean developed by Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. This groundbreaking soybean variant contains two modified genes that significantly amplify the presence of oleic acid, a beneficial fatty acid, within the plant.
Introducing genetically engineered food could be key for China, currently focused on boosting its food security impacted by volatile weather events and trade tensions in Ukraine. Innovation in genome editing technology offers promising solutions as it can support food production, enrich nutritional profiles, and fortify crop resilience in the face of climate change. Additionally, it aligns with China's strategy to reduce its reliance on food imports and enhance self-sufficiency. This is particularly relevant given that China represents 60% of the world’s soybean imports, highlighting the country's dependence on external sources to meet its domestic needs.
While China was hesitant towards genome editing technologies in the past, the new regulatory framework and the fast approval of its first genome-edited soybean show that the country is aligning itself with the current global trajectory. Much of the global north has created or discussed modifying their legislation to boost the creation of new plant varieties. Countries such as the United States and Japan have launched genome-edited crops in the market previously, indicating the growing acceptance and global adoption of this transformative approach to crop improvement.
While the safety approval of the soybean represents a significant milestone, the certificate only lasts 5 years, and additional procedural steps including the approval of specific seed varieties containing the edited genes must be completed before widespread cultivation by Chinese farmers. Still, the regulatory process for genome-edited crops is anticipated to be faster than that of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), offering a notable advantage.
As the adoption of new genetically engineered varieties continues to grow, the Chinese soybean marks a significant milestone in shaping the public perception of genome-edited food worldwide. By harnessing their potential, countries can forge more resilient food systems and ensure enhanced food security around the globe. This promising development marks a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our global food supply.
Click on the link below to read more:
Other References:
China Approves First Gene-Edited Crop in Food Security Push:
https://impakter.com/china-approves-first-gene-edited-crop-in-food-security-push/
China approves safety of first gene-edited soybean crop to boost food security:
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/first-gene-edited-soybean-crop
Science News Roundup: China approves safety of first gene-edited crop:
China grants permission for the first soybean gene-edited crop:
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/china-approves-safety-of-first-gene-edited-crop
