Thailand approves genome editing to boost agricultural yields

Thailand officially sanctioned Genome Editing (GEd) technology for advanced plant breeding, aiming to boost yields while reducing chemical use in agriculture, according to the Department of Agriculture (DoA).

DoA Chief Rapeepat Chansriwong announced the approval of the GEd technique under a ministerial regulation. This decision was endorsed by the agriculture minister and subsequently published in the Royal Gazette. Typically, new policies come into effect 30 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette.

GEd techniques offer the ability to amend or correct gene codes in plants, producing more desirable traits. These techniques adhere to standards and qualifications set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Rapeepat clarified that GEd plants are distinct from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GEd has already gained approval in multiple countries, including Canada, the United States, Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, Russia, and the Philippines.

Confidence in GEd’s potential to enhance the country’s plant breeding capabilities is high. Rapeepat believes that this technology could triple farmers’ income within four years. Additionally, Thailand aims to become a hub for GEd technology. There is also potential for the method to be applied to animals in the future.

“Legalisation will help drive the government’s Ignite Thailand policy to make the country an agricultural hub. It will help elevate the country’s farming knowledge until the country can become the world’s food hub.”

Rapeepat noted that maize, soybean, and sugar cane would be among the first economic plants to pilot GEd technology, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, South Australia State Governor Frances Adamson has committed to fostering collaboration with Thailand in the food and agriculture sectors, highlighting shared economic objectives between the two regions.

Adamson’s visit to Thailand spanned from July 8 to 11, where she engaged with government officials and leaders in various sectors including arts and culture, agriculture, energy, and the wine industry, aiming to bolster South Australia’s economy and trade investments.