China Approves Gene-Edited Crops to Boost Food Security

China has approved five gene-edited crop varieties and authorised 12 genetically modified (GM) soybean, corn, and cotton seeds in its latest move to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said.

The approval underscores a global shift towards adopting agricultural technology as countries grapple with the effects of climate change, including unpredictable weather patterns and declining arable land.

Governments are turning to innovations like gene editing to boost crop resilience and ensure self-reliance in food production.

The newly certified gene-edited varieties include two types of soybeans, and one each of wheat, corn, and rice.

Unlike traditional genetic modification, which introduces foreign DNA into a plant, gene editing tweaks existing genes to enhance traits such as yield, pest resistance, or tolerance to extreme conditions.

Scientists often regard the technique as safer and more precise than conventional GM technology.

China’s list also includes genetically modified seeds developed by domestic firms like Beijing-based Dabeinong and China National Seed Group, a unit of Syngenta Group.

Additionally, Germany’s BASF received approval for an insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM soybean variety for import, reflecting China’s efforts to diversify its supply chain.

The safety certificates, valid for five years starting December 25, highlight China’s intention to scale up domestic production.

While the country grows non-GM crops for direct consumption, it imports significant volumes of GM soybeans and corn, primarily for animal feed.

These approvals mark an expanded push to adopt higher-yielding technologies amid persistent concerns among Chinese consumers about the safety of genetically modified food.

China has steadily increased its approvals for GM crops over the past year, signaling a broader acceptance of agricultural biotechnology to address food security challenges exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions and environmental stressors.

Additional input from Reuters