Institute for Plant Breeding Research, in collaboration with researchers from Wageningen University and Research conducted a study on the genetic basis of the European potato. The researchers selected 10 heritage potato varieties, some of which were already being cultivated in the 18th century. According to Ronald Hutten, the curator of the Potato Pedigree Database, these varieties represent the ‘Founding Fathers' of modern potatoes and date from the first phase of European breeding programs.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences researchers reported the late blight field resistance in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) carrying resistance genes from a wild relative, American black nightshade (Solanum americanum). Their findings are published in GM Crops & Food. Potato is one of the world's most important crops, but potato fields can be severely damaged by late blight. It is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans,  which can cause economic concerns for potato growers

A team from the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) and partners used biofoundry to speed up genetic engineering in plants and use it to enhance oil production in plant cells. The study, published in The Plant Cell, is a breakthrough that reduces labor, time, and costs in plant bioengineering. Biofoundry is a laboratory that combines robotics, computer-aided design, and informatics to streamline the process of genetic engineering.

A recent survey in the UK conducted by British Sugar reveals that 69% of UK adults strongly support gene editing to create a sustainable and resilient future for British farming. The survey also found that Gen Zs lead the call for gene editing to be used, with a staggering 80% supporting the technology. All age groups in the survey viewed sustainability as the leading motivator, with 44% citing green credentials as a key reason for backing gene editing.

Researchers from the University of Maryland, USA, developed a comprehensive all-in-one CRISPR toolbox that addresses the challenge of large-scale CRISPR screens in plants. Their study is published in The Plant Cell. The new CRISPR toolbox can be effectively used for cytosine base editing (CBE), adenine base editing (ABE), Cas12a-based genome editing and ABE, and CRISPR-Act3.0-based gene activation in both monocot (rice) and dicot (tomato) plants.

Experts from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia investigated the effects of water stress on biomass and lipid accumulation in wild-type and high-leaf oil transgenic tobacco plants exposed to water stress. Their findings are published in Plant Physiology. High-leaf oil plants have been developed through molecular methods to address the need for more plant oils.

The cell-culture quail is produced by Vow Group Pty Ltd, a biotechnology company based in Sydney, Australia, which grows animal cells in culture for food use. According to the FSANZ approval report, the cultured quail cells will be combined with other ingredients to create various products, including but not limited to logs, rolls, and patties. The Vow Group advised that these products will be cooked before being sold, initially targeting high-end restaurants.

ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech), held a webinar titled Unlocking the Potential of Animal Biotech in the Philippines: Research Updates and Regulatory Prospects on 10 April 2025 via Zoom. This webinar provided an overview of the status of animal biotechnology research and potential regulatory directions in the Philippines.

Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Brazil reports stable folate biofortification in lettuce under field conditions for two years. The results are published in Transgenic Research. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in several bodily functions. Deficiency in folate may cause health problems, including megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects in the developing fetus, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, today urged FAO Members to turn global challenges into opportunities to accelerate the transformation of global agrifood systems as he opened the 177th FAO Council, which is the last Council session before the Organization’s proposed Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) for 2026-27 is submitted for approval to the  FAO Ministerial Conference at the end of June.