Chinese specialist in seed selection and genetic editing, Origin Agritech Ltd. has signed a licensing agreement with Shunfeng BioTech to apply the Cas-SF01 technology to corn, aiming for high-yield hybrid varieties that are tolerant to climate stresses.
MADISON HONG, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Origin Agritech Enters Patent License Agreement with Shunfen..." - 2 February 2026
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The Deutscher Bauernverband (DBV), Germany's leading agricultural union, advocates for new genetic modification techniques (NTGs) while condemning plant patents, which it views as detrimental to innovation and farmer autonomy. This original stance contrasts with that of other European agricultural organizations, often more supportive of patent protection, raising crucial questions about the future of agriculture and varietal research in Europe.
Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "Brevets et NTGÂ : le positionnement singulier du principal sy..." - 30 January 2026
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) supports Dutch biotech Solynta with €20 million in funding to develop potato varieties suited to climate challenges. This support, under the InvestEU program, aims to promote true potato seeds (TPS), which offer a sustainable alternative to traditional tubers. Solynta's non-GMO breeding technology reduces chemical inputs and enhances disease resistance, contributing to global food security and the EU's sustainability goals.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Solynta Secures €20M Venture Debt from EIB to Advance Climat..." - 27 January 2026
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Nexus Agriscience has recently acquired the hemp division of Biotech Institute, integrating essential genetic and research capabilities for its molecular farming platform. This acquisition enables predictable expression of high-value terpene compounds while facilitating faster product development and scalable production. By positioning itself as an alternative to precision fermentation, Nexus Agriscience aims to effectively meet market demand for natural ingredients across various sectors, while incorporating key experts from Biotech Institute into its governance.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Nexus Agriscience Acquires Biotech Institute Hemp IP to Expa..." - 27 January 2026
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By repurposing etoposide, a compound used in chemotherapy, researchers have successfully triggered massive genetic rearrangements in germinating plants. Initially tested on Arabidopsis and then applied to chickpeas, this approach enables the rapid generation of a wide phenotypic diversity, including for species that are challenging to improve with current genetic engineering tools.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "New chemical method makes it easier to select desirable trai..." - 19 January 2026
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In the face of climate change challenges and genetic diversity loss, Switzerland is rediscovering wild plants related to crops. These wild relatives, carrying resistance genes, are at the heart of conservation and research initiatives. In situ protection programs and seed banks are being established to preserve this vital genetic heritage, exemplified by the apple tree, whose wild ancestors contribute to its resilience.
Source: Agir Info, published under the title "Des plantes sauvages pour renforcer l’agriculture suisse" - 19 January 2026
Read moreCquesta, an agricultural biotech company, has signed a research licensing agreement with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center for advanced root genetic technology. This strategic collaboration aims to develop next-generation corn hybrids that meet the global demand for climate-resilient and high-yield crops. The global corn seed market is valued at over $25 billion.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Cquesta expands innovation platform with Danforth Center tec..." - 15 January 2026
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A joint study between the UK and Brazil reveals that two widely used viral vectors for studying gene function, which have proven effective in other crops like wheat, produce no observable changes in rice.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Rice resists change: Study reveals viral tools fall short" - 12 January 2026
Read moreUNITED STATES. Researchers have developed a spring wheat line, WGC002, incorporating a gene for resistance to Fusarium head blight, a fungal disease responsible for significant economic losses in cereal production. This advancement could transform the fight against this disease, which caused estimated losses of $2.7 billion between 1998 and 2000, while posing health risks to consumers. The Fhb7 gene, derived from wild grasses, could provide a sustainable solution for farmers and wheat breeding programs.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "A new spring wheat germplasm promises to reduce economic los..." - 12 January 2026
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New genetic editing techniques, more precise and 'natural' than traditional GMOs, aim to enhance crop resilience against climate change, drought, and diseases while reducing pesticide use. However, this innovative progress has sparked a heated debate in Europe over regulation, pitting proponents of easing restrictions against biodiversity advocates.
Source: Franceinfo, published under the title "Agriculture : la science sur la piste de "nouveaux OGM", plu..." - 23 December 2025
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