From Lab to Land: innovating with Biotechnology and leaving no one behind

Nobody would blame you if you haven’t heard about the wonders of DT 10 mutant rice. But in Vietnam, its introduction, developed through agricultural biotechnology, has been a game changer. The rice has benefited more than 3 million farmers, increasing their collective income by USD $450 million.

When the term "biotechnology" comes to mind, it often conjures images of white coats and labs. While it is true, it is also much more! Biotechnologies have the potential to reshape the agrifood sector, heralding a future where sustainability, productivity, and resilience converge. Their significance lies in their ability to boost crop yields and farmer incomes, crucial in a world grappling with food security challenges. Beyond mere productivity, these technologies are instrumental in reducing agriculture's environmental footprint, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional practices. Their role in preserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change further underscores their importance. Environmental Biotechnologies have emerged among the top 20 most promising emerging technologies and innovations in our recently published Foresight Report. As global food demands rise, biotechnologies' capacity to address diverse agricultural needs while promoting sustainable practices marks them as key drivers in the ongoing transformation of the agrifood sector, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient food system.

Our new publication at FAO’s Office of Innovation "Case Studies of the Use of Agricultural Biotechnologies to Meet the Needs of Smallholders in Developing Countries" illustrates the significant impact of biotechnologies in agriculture. Spanning a range of sectors and technologies, the 15 case studies in this report reflect the diverse applications and outcomes of biotechnologies in global agricultural practices.

Beyond productivity gain: a direct benefit on environment, health and biodiversity

The case studies also bring to light the various challenges faced in implementing these technologies, from technical complexities to regulatory hurdles. Importantly, they emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies that involve effective partnerships, government support, and clear communication with farmers. These real-world examples underscore the crucial role of agricultural biotechnologies in sustainable development, balancing the increasing global food demands with environmental stewardship. Our agrifood systems are shifting towards more sustainable and inclusive practices to meet the needs of a growing population.

The report spans various sectors including aquaculture, crops, forestry, and livestock, showcasing technologies like artificial insemination, DNA barcoding, genetic modification, and marker-assisted selection. Authored by scientists directly involved in these initiatives, each study offers an in-depth look at the achievements and challenges encountered, providing a comprehensive view of biotechnology applications in real-world scenarios.

The economic, environmental, and health impacts of these technologies are significant. For example, the use of genetically modified eggplants in Bangladesh has led to a notable decrease in pesticide usage, benefiting both ecosystems and human health. Additionally, biotechnologies play a crucial role in the conservation of genetic resources, as evidenced by efforts in the Philippines to preserve swamp buffalo populations and in India to combat illegal logging through DNA barcoding.

Addressing challenges such as low production, climate change adaptation, and biotic stresses, these technologies range from simpler methods like micropropagation to advanced DNA manipulation. However, they also bring challenges including technical complexities, limited farmer understanding, and regulatory obstacles. The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated these issues.

Closing the adoption gap

 We’re very proud to showcase this publication as it represents another important step towards closing the gap that exists between the global research agenda and the users who most need these new technologies, especially in the Global south. The report highlights the importance of collaborative efforts, government support, and clear communication with farmers for effective technology adoption and implementation. It also triggers a sense of urgency: we have to accelerate the production, use and accessibility of these technologies, create an enabling policy environment, better understand the needs of farmers and their barriers to adoption. As such, biotechnologies are part of the technology accelerator of the FAO Strategic Framework that places science technology and innovation at the core of its actions. In an era where the urgent need to feed our planet intersects with rapidly changing environmental conditions, these biotechnologies offer a set of vital solutions for increasing productivity, enhancing resilience, and reducing environmental impacts. 

Responsible biotechnology is therefore part of our expanding toolbox for agrifood system transformation, fitting into a broader innovation framework. In this regard, FAO's TECA platform has already proven valuable, gathering successful agricultural practices and technologies. Soon, the Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) will enhance this effort, providing biannual global agrifood system science and technology analyses, along with a consolidated global database. These insights will be accessible through the FAO's Science, Technology, and Innovation platform, supporting informed decision-making and investments in agrifood system research and development. 

You will hear much more about these FAO flagship efforts in the future, as they signify our commitment to transformation. Meanwhile, agricultural biotechnologies are an important part of the mix, offering solutions for a sustainable, food-secure future. These innovations represent a critical step toward combining agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship, shaping a more resilient and nourished global community.