At the FAO Global Conference on Agricultural Biotechnologies in Rome, INTA Argentina showcased progress from the regional gene editing project in potato.
As part of the FAO Global Conference on Agricultural Biotechnologies, held on June 16 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, Dr. Sergio Feingold, National Coordinator of the Biotechnology Program at the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina, delivered a presentation titled “The Power of Gene Editing for Potato Crop Innovation.”His presentation was part of the main session on Genetic Improvement for Sustainable Crop Production Systems, one of the central themes of the international event.
The conference, organized in celebration of FAO’s 80th anniversary, aims to promote global dialogue on the latest developments in agricultural biotechnologies and their role in transforming agrifood systems. During his presentation, Dr. Feingold shared the progress and results of the gene editing project in potato, developed under the regional FONTAGRO program, highlighting the potential of this tool to increase productivity, enhance disease resistance, and improve tuber quality.
The panel, moderated by international experts, addressed key topics such as next-generation genomics, molecular breeding, gene editing, and synthetic biology, focusing on the opportunities and challenges these technologies present for the sustainability of production systems. The Argentine representative emphasized the importance of collaborative work in Latin America and the critical role of FONTAGRO’s support in achieving significant progress in strategic crops like potato.
Conference attendees actively participated in a Q&A session, which allowed for the exchange of experiences regarding the application of biotechnologies in crop improvement, with a critical view of their large-scale adoption and implications for global food security. The impact of the FONTAGRO project was recognized not only for its technical outcomes but also for its regional and collaborative approach.
Through its 2022–2031 Strategic Framework, FAO reaffirms its commitment to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. This conference serves as a key platform to promote innovative solutions like gene editing that can drive progress toward more equitable and environmentally responsible agricultural production, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
