Peru has taken a significant step in modernizing its biotechnology regulations by approving new guidelines that establish how organisms modified by genome editing will be assessed under national biosafety rules. Peru is aligning with an international trend towards differentiated regulation of modified organisms, joining countries like Argentina and Chile, while maintaining rigorous standards for environmental and food safety, potentially boosting innovation in the agricultural sector.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Peru advances regulatory framework for gene-edited crops" - 26 March 2026
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Australian startup Cauldron Ferm has raised $13.25 million to accelerate the deployment of its large-scale continuous fermentation technology. Its platform enables continuous production in 10,000-liter tanks, aiming to reduce costs and industrialize bioproductions. The funds will be used to modernize its facilities and expand operations in Australia and the United States.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Cauldron Ferm Raises $13.25M Series A2 to Scale Hyper-Fermen..." - 25 March 2026
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Investments in crop genomics are shifting focus from corn and soybeans to wheat and rice, which are vital for global food security. This change is accompanied by a new priority on survival traits, addressing the growing climate challenges. Recent regulatory approvals and initiatives in India illustrate this dynamic, while innovative collaborations aim to integrate smallholders into this genomic revolution.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "The Staple Crop Shift: How Crop Genomics Is Turning to Wheat..." - 24 March 2026
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American biotech Resurrect Bio has entered into a development agreement with Corteva to combat some of the major corn diseases in the United States. The company is developing a technology that combines artificial intelligence and in-plant screening to identify and reactivate natural resistance genes bypassed by pathogens. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of more resistant varieties while reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Resurrect Bio and Corteva join forces to unlock nature’s own..." - 18 March 2026
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Dutch seed company Enza Zaden has developed 18 high-resistance tomato varieties against the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), a disease that has rapidly spread worldwide since 2015. The company published in the scientific journal Breeding Science the methodology that enabled the development of these varieties in seven years, utilizing molecular tools such as marker-assisted selection.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "How Enza Zaden developed 18 ToBRFV HR resistant tomato varie..." - 18 March 2026
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The plant genomics sector is undergoing a strategic shift: competitiveness no longer primarily relies on intellectual property, but on research infrastructures capable of accelerating breeding cycles. Companies like Enza Zaden and Syngenta are investing in platforms that allow for the multiplication of crop generations each year, reducing varietal development timelines from over ten years to just a few years.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Crop Genomics’ New Moat: Why Physical Infrastructure Now Bea..." - 17 March 2026
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Following a shift in the French government's stance towards the deregulation of GMOs derived from new genomic techniques, 71 MPs from La France insoumise have submitted a resolution proposal. They urge the government to oppose this European text, advocating for a strict framework of health and environmental protection in response to non-binding commitments from the European Commission.
Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "71 députés enjoignent le gouvernement français à rejeter la ..." - 16 March 2026
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Tropic, a global leader in genetically modified tropical crops, has recently announced the closing of a $105 million funding round to support the commercial expansion of its banana and rice varieties. This funding, co-led by the Forbion Bioeconomy fund and Corteva, addresses a growing global demand for sustainable and resilient food solutions. With non-browning and long shelf-life banana varieties already on the market, Tropic plans to accelerate its production and expand its crop portfolio to tackle food security challenges.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Tropic raises $105 million Series C to scale commercial roll..." - 13 March 2026
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The California startup Crop Diagnostix has developed an innovative system using RNA sequencing to monitor crop health. This technology enables the detection of environmental stresses, such as nutrient deficiencies or diseases, well before visible symptoms appear. By leveraging big data and machine learning models, the company provides farmers with crop health insights, optimizing yields and reducing inputs. With promising results in trials, Crop Diagnostix positions itself as a key player in agritech, with no direct competitors in this niche.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Crop Diagnostix launches RNA-based crop health early-warning..." - 13 March 2026
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The agrochemical group Syngenta has entered into an agreement with the American biotech KOMO Biosciences to evaluate a targeted DNA insertion technology that does not use viral vectors. This approach, applied to corn, aims to enable the controlled introduction of complex genetic programs, paving the way for a new generation of more resilient and better-managed crops.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "KOMO Biosciences grants research evaluation license to Synge..." - 13 March 2026
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