SCIENCE AND INNOVATION FORUM 2024 Sowing the future: Gene editing for agrifood systems Opening Remarks

Excellences,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear colleagues,

This is an important session as it explores the potential of gene editing in agriculture.

Today, agrifood systems face increasing challenges— including climate change, biodiversity loss, resource degradation, together with population growth and changing diets – but they also present us with huge opportunities for change. 

Technologies and innovations play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and in creating the opportunities we need to bring about real change.

Gene editing is one of the potential tools to be considered in developing solutions.

Research shows that this technology could enhance precision in breeding methods and contribute to rapid development of improved plant varieties and animal breeds.

Today’s session is about shaping a broader vision for the future, keeping in mind two critical questions:

First: How do we ensure technology like gene editing is available, accessible, affordable and beneficial to all?

Second: How do we create systems that are efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable?

Science must serve people and society, offering more than just technical progress.

Throughout the session, experts will share diverse perspectives on gene editing. They will discuss its applications in agriculture and potential benefits.

These insights will cover how gene editing technology could be harnessed to improve crops and livestock resistant to pests and diseases and tolerant to abiotic stresses, as well as provide opportunities for improving nutrition and food safety.

However, as with any new technology, they have their merits and demerits.

This forum gives us space for a balanced discussion of both benefits and risks.

We need frameworks that protect the vulnerable and encourage responsible growth, to ensure no community is left behind - and that technology is not disconnected from those who need it most.

I look forward to exchanging ideas with our expert panelists on how various scenarios might be used in the future to support the transformation to more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable global agrifood systems under overarch of the Four Betters.

At FAO, we believe in responsible and inclusive innovation. Together, we can shape a better future for all where science, technology, and innovation are available, accessible and affordable by all.

The future depends on what we build, and how, where, when and whom we build it for.

Thank you.