China Fast-tracks the Approval of a Genome-Edited Wheat to Further Open Up the Technology to Food Crops

Industry updates
Written By Ying Shao

To boost and further internalize food production, China approved its first  genome-edited wheat in a record-rapid process.

Earlier this month, China fast-tracked the approval of a genome-edited wheat developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Suzhou-based biotechnology company Qi Biodesign. This wheat has been designed to resist powdery mildew, a damaging fungal disease, one of the top three diseases that impact wheat yield in China, affecting 40% of the fields.

Wheat is a staple crop in China, with the country being the largest producer and consumer globally, accounting for 17% of global production and 19% of global consumption in 2023. The swift approval of this genome-edited wheat highlights China's proactive stance towards embracing genome editing to safeguard and enhance essential crops.

These new approvals signal a major shift in policy for a country that has otherwise been considerably more cautious with approving genetically engineered crops, especially GMOs, which are mostly imported and not grown domestically. The move is part of a global upsurge for swifter and more facilitated regulatory processes so that new agricultural technologies are deployed more rapidly to address urgent challenges in food production and climate change. This global movement is mainly driven by increasing scientific knowledge and the development of rigorous assessment frameworks that ensure the safety and efficacy of genome-edited crops.

Moreover, China’s adoption of genome-editing technology comes at a critical time as the nation faces numerous challenges including trade tensions, climate change, and dietary and health concerns. Genome editing presents viable solutions by enhancing food production, improving crop resilience, and fortifying the nutritional profiles of staple crops. Additionally, it aligns with China's strategy to reduce its reliance on food imports and enhance self-sufficiency.

China’s recent regulatory approval for a genome-edited soybean last year and wheat earlier this month marks significant strides in the global acceptance of genome-edited crops. These developments not only underscore China's commitment to agricultural innovation but also reflect the country joining a broader worldwide trend toward embracing biotechnological advancements. As more countries continue to adapt and integrate these technologies, genome editing stands poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of global agriculture, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainability.

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Ying Shao
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