TALENs (transcription activator-like effector nucleases), one of the genome editing tools, have a likely lesser chance of having off-target mutations than other genome editing techniques. However, a rapid test system for the functionality of the designed TALENs and an effective delivery system for introducing TALENs to plants are critical for successful target mutation.

At the G7 Agriculture Ministers Meeting today, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva stressed the role of agriculture and rural development in addressing prevention and responses related to conflicts, migration, and food security. The G7 ministers were informed by the Director-General about FAO's intention, as co-chair - with the International Organization for Migration - in 2018, of the United Nations Global Migration Group (GMG), to emphasize the linkages between agricultural and rural development and migration.

Genetically engineered apples with non-browning characteristic will be available in the U.S. this fall. These apples, known as Arctic apples, will be available as bagged slices in about 400 stores in California.

Experts are calling for agricultural innovations to help improve food security on the continent. "There is tacit evidence that African governments and farmers are not committed to use of science in agriculture," said Dr. Cyprian Ebong, Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), during a high level conference on application of science, technology and innovation in harnessing African agricultural transformation at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, Uganda.

Soybean oil, the vegetable cooking oil commonly used in the United States, is also gaining popularity worldwide. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) tested a genetically modified (GM) soybean oil used in restaurants, and found that while it induces less obesity and insulin resistance than conventional soybean oil, its effects on diabetes and fatty liver are similar to those of conventional soybean oil.

Leading agricultural researchers and scientists from 10 CGIAR Research Programs (CRP) convened in Bern, Switzerland on 6 September at the Swiss International Conference on Research for Development.CRP leaders participated in three panel sessions, facilitated by CGIAR and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), discussing production landscapes, improved nutrition and sustainable value chains with various Swiss institutions.

Climate change poses a risk to the agricultural sector, threatening food security and farmers well-being.  Against this backdrop, the Philippine-France Forum on Agriculture provided a venue for sharing of scientific and environmentally efficient strategies to address the effects of climate change.
 

Department of Agriculture (DA) Region X information officers and farmer-leaders were trained on promoting agricultural technologies, particularly biotechnology, on social media during the Storytelling Agri Innovations through Social Media held on October 4, 2017 at The Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Cagayan De Oro City.

Companies and consumers must step up their efforts to overhaul the world's food systems at a time when the twin spectres of hunger and obesity are both on the rise, FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva told delegates at the Committee on World Food Security (CFS). Some 815 million people suffered from hunger in 2016, yet more and more adults and children are becoming obese in both the developed and developing worlds, he noted.

The European seed sector launched the campaign #EmbracingNature to emphasize and explain the essential role that plant breeding innovation plays in tackling Europe's agri-food challenges, including meeting consumer demands and contributing to a highly productive and more sustainable agriculture and food production system.