Agricultural biotechnology in China: Product development, commercialization, and perspectives

This review is led by Professor Kongming Wu (State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China). Biotechnology has become indispensable in modern agriculture, and the global application of genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GE) organisms has demonstrated their advantages for economic development and environmental sustainability. Over the past three decades, China has made remarkable strides in agricultural biotechnology, the Chinese government has actively supported the research, development, and application of agricultural biotechnology while progressively established and improved compatible safety evaluation and regulatory framework. Consequently, China has become an important participant and driver, facilitating the successful industrial application of agricultural biotechnology products domestically.

This review systematically presents China’s agricultural biotechnology development. It summarizes the advancements achieved in GM and GE technology research and industrial application over the past 30 years, provides a thorough analysis of the biosafety certificate approvals for the production and application of agricultural GM/GE organisms in China, and proposes prospects for bio-breeding innovation. This work serves as a critical reference for understanding the historical trajectory, current state, and future directions of biotechnological breeding innovation and its industrial applications in China.

Comprehensive Research Investigation

The discovery and utilization of functional genes represent the core of agricultural biotechnology. This review details recent advancements in functional gene discovery, highlighting progress in biotic stress resistance, nutrient quantity/quality improvement, and abiotic stress resistance genes across animals, plants and microorganisms. Significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the transgenic and genome-editing technologies, establishing a large-scale technical system. The innovation of gene delivery technology has overcome bottlenecks related to species diversity and transformation efficiency. Furthermore, advancements in synthetic biology enable the creation of novel high-nutritional-value biol-breeding products, expanding their functionality and variety.

Technological Innovations and Application

This review presents the scientific assessment and regulatory system established by the Chinese government to ensure the safe application, circulation and consumption of biotechnology products. It systematically reviews the developments since 1997 when the Chinese government officially began accepting applications for biosafety assessments of agricultural genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products.

Focusing on biosafety certificates approved for production applications, the review provides a multi-dimensional analysis of the types, functions, and characteristics of the approved agricultural GM and GE products. Analyzing approval trends alongside research and development features and policy changes reveals distinct historical stages. Overall, approved applications show steady annual growth. Agricultural GM microorganisms for animal use account for the largest proportion, while GM and GE plants exhibit the highest growth rate. Crucially, the nature of the application units has gradually shifted from predominately domestic research institutions to being enterprise-led, enhancing innovative design capabilities and accelerating commercialization.

Prospects

Modern agricultural biotechnology breeding achieves efficient, precise, and targeted genetic improvement through advanced technological innovation, leading to the development of numerous new varieties of plants, animals, and microorganisms. This significantly contributes to ensuring food security and stable supply of key agricultural products.

This review provides a forward-looking analysis of the future research, development, and application directions for biotechnology products in plants, animals, microorganisms, and biosynthesis, while also examining potential challenges. To ensure healthy and orderly development, the author recommends implementing key measures. These include the consistent implementation of long-term science and technology development plans, enhancing the comprehensive innovation capabilities of biotechnology enterprises, further refining the biosafety regulatory framework, and formulating and implementing targeted public awareness programs regarding biotechnology.

With concerted efforts from the government, research institutions, enterprises, and society, the accelerated commercialization of biotechnology-derived breeding innovations will become an indispensable component of China's modern agriculture, substantially enhancing national food security and agricultural resilience.

See the article:

Agricultural biotechnology in China: product development, commercialization, and perspectives

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42994-025-00209-4