Gene Editing Trust Initiative

Trust in Gene Editing

Gene editing is moving from promise to practice and the impact on food and agriculture is already beginning to take shape.

Join Us

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Gene editing includes a suite of technologies that allow scientists to make precise changes to an organism’s DNA to beneficial outcome without introducing foreign DNA.

~4,000

gene therapies in development for human medicine, roughly half targeting cancer

45+

gene therapies already approved for use in human medicine

500+

gene-editing applications for plants, animals and microbes in development

More than 500 gene-editing applications for plants, animals and microbes are currently in development. These applications are being used to extend shelf life, reduce costs, boost nutrient density, reduce allergens, improve taste and texture, reduce disease and suffering in animals and grow food using fewer resources.

Building Trust

Building trust in gene editing starts with transparency and shared values.

The Center for Food Integrity works with stakeholders across the food system to help people understand what gene editing is, why it’s being used and how it can deliver meaningful value. By equipping researchers, producers, food companies, restaurants, retailers and consumers with the tools they need to understand gene editing and how it impacts them, we can assure that this technology is available to improve our lives.

Gene Editing At Work

A scientist in safety goggles working on a laptop in a research laboratory

Microorganisms

Problem to Solve

Synthetic fertilizer has been a key factor in enabling modern agriculture to produce incredible yields. But the system has shortcomings. Not all fertilizer applied to farm fields reaches the plant, which means farmers are paying for product that is not fully used and excess nitrogen can affect water quality and natural ecosystems.

The Solution

Pivot Bio used gene editing to develop a specialized microbe that can convert nitrogen, which is abundantly available in the atmosphere, into a form that cereal plants can use. The changes are made within the microorganism’s own genome, so it can continuously fix nitrogen and provide the growing crop with a steady supply of nitrogen throughout the growing season.

Who Can Benefit

Farmers can reduce fertilizer use, see improved yields and improve the long-term health of the soil. The public benefits because reduced nitrogen runoff improves water quality and supports biodiversity. Consumers and the food system benefit by making food production more sustainable and resilient.

Animals

Problem to Solve

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a very harmful disease that affects pigs. Millions of pigs suffer and die from PRRS every year. The virus is difficult to control because it spreads quickly and changes often, making vaccines ineffective.

The Solution

The Pig Improvement Company (PIC) used gene editing technology to delete a portion of a specific protein within the pig’s cell that the PRRS virus needs to cause infection, so the animals are resistant to the disease.

Who Can Benefit

While the edit has no impact on pork, pigs will not have to suffer the effects of the disease. The need for antibiotics to treat disease on farms is significantly reduced, benefiting society. The food system and consumers benefit by making food production more sustainable.

A woman's hands picking ripe blackberries from a plant

Plants

Problem to Solve

Blackberries are a nutritious fruit, rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. However, the small seeds in blackberries make them unusable in some dishes. For people with dental issues, the seeds can be very uncomfortable and those with certain digestive issues must avoid all blackberries because of the seeds.

The Solution

Gene editing was used to develop seedless blackberries by reducing the hard pits in the fruit and creating a more enjoyable eating experience. The same variety also includes thornless and compact plant traits, which make harvesting easier and less labor intensive.

Who Can Benefit

Consumers benefit from a convenient eating experience. Retailers and restaurants benefit from a more appealing fresh fruit option. Growers and harvesters benefit from plants designed to improve harvesting efficiency and productivity. The food system benefits from produce innovation tied directly to consumer value and sustainability.

Resources

A grocery store employee with a tablet talking with a shopper in a store aisle

Consumer Research

“Consumer Acceptance of Gene-Edited Foods” studied how consumers perceive gene editing in food and agriculture and what drives their willingness to buy. The research found that consumers are significantly more open to gene-edited products when the benefits are clear, personal and aligned with values. When informed about the purpose and process of gene editing purchase intent rose across all applications tested: pork, eggs, tomatoes and bananas.

Download research summary

Decision Framework

CFI has developed a framework to help food retailers, restaurants and manufacturers evaluate and integrate gene-edited products into supply chains by category. The framework is a tool that helps organizations select and integrate applications that support business objectives and are aligned with their values and brand.

Toolkit

Designed for farmers — or anyone who is interested in supporting gene editing — the toolkit provides practical suggestions and resources to engage with consumers about the technology using the power of shared values.

Coalition for Responsible Use

The Coalition for Responsible Gene Editing in Agriculture created a framework that gives assurance to the food system and other stakeholders that those using gene editing within the Framework do so in the best interests of agriculture, the food system and society in general.