Next-Gen farming: How CRISPR redefines what we grow and eat

Jorik Bremer: Hudson River Biotechnology is spearheading what we call an “invisible revolution” in agriculture through our advanced CRISPR and single-cell technologies. These innovations operate at the cellular and molecular levels, yet their impacts are profoundly visible in the field. By leveraging CRISPR, we can precisely edit plant genomes to enhance traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional content. This level of precision was unimaginable with traditional breeding methods and represents a significant leap forward in agricultural science.

Our single-cell technology complements this by ensuring that genetic enhancements are propagated efficiently across plant populations, which speeds up the breeding process and guarantees the stability of desired traits. This approach not only streamlines agricultural practices but also reduces the environmental impact by minimizing the need for chemical treatments and resource usage.

These technologies are reshaping the agricultural landscape, shifting the perception of farming from a purely traditional craft to a cutting-edge field driven by scientific innovation. This transformation allows us to address global challenges such as food security and sustainability more effectively, marking a new era in how we grow and think about our crops.

IBT: With CRISPR enabling precise trait development and smart delivery systems redefining agrochemical use, do you envision a future where we completely rethink what “inputs” mean in farming—perhaps moving toward plants that almost manage themselves?

Jorik Bremer: Absolutely, the advancements in CRISPR and smart delivery systems are setting the stage for a transformative shift in what we consider “inputs” in farming. Traditionally, inputs referred to physical substances applied to crops, like fertilizers and pesticides. However, with the precision of CRISPR gene-editing technology, we’re not just tweaking traits at the margins; we’re enabling plants to have intrinsic qualities that reduce or eliminate the need for these traditional inputs.

For instance, by enhancing a plant’s natural resistance to pests or its ability to absorb nutrients more efficiently, we can significantly decrease the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Similarly, engineering crops to better withstand drought conditions can reduce water usage, one of the most critical resources in agriculture.

Smart delivery systems further optimize this process by ensuring that any treatments applied are done so in a targeted manner, minimizing waste and environmental impact. Together, these technologies encourage a paradigm shift towards creating “smart plants” that are more self-sustaining.

This vision of farming with minimal inputs isn’t just a futuristic ideal; it’s a practical direction that’s already taking shape. As these technologies evolve and become more integrated into agricultural practices, we can anticipate a future where farming is not only more sustainable but also more autonomous, with plants that are equipped to manage many aspects of their growth and health internally.

IBT: We often associate food security with higher yields, but how can CRISPR-based transgene-free editing influence aspects like nutritional quality, shelf life, or even the flavor profiles of crops? Is food security more than just feeding people?

Jorik Bremer: Certainly, food security involves not only feeding the population but also ensuring that the food provided is nutritious, safe, and appealing. CRISPR-based transgene-free editing plays a crucial role in enhancing these aspects beyond just increasing crop yields.

• Nutritional Quality: CRISPR enables precise modifications that can boost the nutritional content of crops. For example, we can increase the levels of vitamins, minerals, or essential fatty acids in plants, making them inherently healthier. Such enhancements can address malnutrition and contribute to a more balanced diet, especially in regions lacking access to a variety of foods.
• Shelf Life: Extending the shelf life of produce is another critical factor for food security. With CRISPR, it’s possible to edit genes that regulate the ripening processes of fruits and vegetables, slowing down decay and reducing spoilage. This not only ensures that more food reaches consumers in a consumable state but also reduces waste along the supply chain, from farm to table.
• Flavor Profiles: Flavor is a key component in consumer acceptance of food products. CRISPR technology allows for the modification of flavor profiles, making crops more palatable and increasing their appeal. This can lead to higher consumption rates and greater acceptance of healthier food options, such as increasing sweetness naturally to reduce the need for added sugars.

By enhancing these qualities—nutritional value, shelf life, and flavor—CRISPR contributes to a more holistic approach to food security. It’s not just about producing more food but about improving the overall food experience, which includes making food more nutritious, longer-lasting, and enjoyable to eat. This approach supports not only the physical health of populations but also environmental sustainability and economic stability by reducing waste and enhancing the marketability of agricultural products.

IBT: CRISPR is celebrated for its precision, but with great precision comes ethical dilemmas. Where do you believe the line is drawn between helping nature and controlling it, especially when it comes to manipulating plant genomes?

Jorik Bremer: The ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR and genomic editing are indeed complex, particularly when we discuss the balance between aiding and controlling nature. The line between these is often not clear-cut and varies based on cultural, regulatory, and scientific perspectives.

• Helping Nature: CRISPR can be seen as a tool to help nature by restoring or enhancing natural resilience in plants that might have been lost due to domestication or environmental changes. For example, reintroducing drought resistance or pest resistance that occurs in wild relatives can help crops thrive without extensive chemical inputs, which aligns with helping nature to manage itself more effectively.
• Controlling Nature: On the other hand, we cross into controlling nature when we begin to create traits that never existed naturally or when modifications have potential unforeseen impacts on ecosystems. The concern here is not just about the safety and ecological consequences of such changes, but also about the broader philosophical and ethical implications of humans exerting such a level of control over genetic destinies.
• Ethical Frameworks: To navigate these dilemmas, it is crucial to develop robust ethical frameworks and regulatory guidelines that ensure CRISPR technology is used responsibly. This includes thorough risk assessments, transparent public engagement, and adherence to international standards and norms. These frameworks should not only address the safety and efficacy of CRISPR-modified crops but also consider the broader societal, environmental, and ethical implications.
• Public Dialogue and Consent: It’s also essential that there is a dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public. Societal consent is key in determining where we draw the line in genome editing applications. Public involvement ensures that the technology does not just advance based on what is scientifically possible but also on what is considered acceptable and beneficial by society.

Ultimately, the goal is to use CRISPR as a tool to support sustainable agriculture and food security in ways that are ethically justifiable and ecologically sound. It’s about finding a balance that respects both the power and the limitations of our technological capabilities, ensuring we aid nature without overstepping into domination.

 IBT: CRISPR and single-cell tech are often viewed as high-tech solutions. How do you envision making such advanced innovations accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers in developing countries like India?

Jorik Bremer: Introducing CRISPR and single-cell technologies in India requires a shift towards strengthening the country’s research and development infrastructure, improving intellectual property protections, and enhancing regulatory frameworks. This foundational work will not only facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies but also create an environment where innovations can thrive. By investing in these areas, India can build a robust agricultural sector that, while directly benefiting large-scale operations and agribusinesses, also indirectly supports smallholder farmers through improved crop yields, resilience, and quality. Ultimately, the success of such technologies in India hinges on creating a conducive ecosystem that supports innovation from the ground up.

 IBT: We often equate food security with higher yields, but in a world struggling with malnutrition, climate change, and resource scarcity, how can CRISPR and transgene-free editing contribute to a more holistic definition of food security—one that includes nutrition, accessibility, and resilience?

Jorik Bremer: CRISPR and transgene-free editing technologies broaden the scope of food security by enhancing the nutritional content of crops, improving their resilience to climate challenges, and making agricultural practices more resource-efficient. These technologies enable the development of crops that are more nutritious, can thrive under adverse environmental conditions, and require fewer inputs like water and pesticides. This approach not only aims to increase food production but also ensures that the food is more accessible and sustainable, addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern agriculture.

IBT: Looking ahead to 2050, how do you envision CRISPR and plant biotechnology transforming not just what we grow, but what and how we eat in a more food-secure world?

Jorik Bremer: By 2050, CRISPR and plant biotechnology are set to revolutionize not just agricultural practices but also the very nature of what and how we eat, contributing significantly to a more food-secure world. At Hudson River Biotechnology (HRB), we are actively shaping this future, particularly with our ongoing projects in India, where the potential for impact is vast.

Through CRISPR’s precise genetic modifications, we can enhance the nutritional content of staple crops, making them richer in essential vitamins and minerals. This biofortification transforms everyday food into power-packed sources of nutrition, ensuring that basic diets are more nourishing. As climate change alters growing conditions globally, CRISPR’s ability to develop crops that withstand extreme weather will be critical. These crops will ensure reliable food production, maintaining stability in food supplies across varied environments, including India’s diverse agricultural zones.

Moreover, CRISPR technology promotes sustainability by enabling crops that utilize water and soil nutrients more efficiently and require fewer chemical inputs. This shift towards sustainable farming practices is crucial for preserving ecological health while feeding an increasing global population. Additionally, as CRISPR makes it possible to cultivate crops in previously unsuitable areas and improve the shelf life and transportability of produce, food accessibility will see significant improvements, reducing hunger in remote and underserved regions.

In this future, the role of plant biotechnology is not just in increasing what we can grow but in changing how we grow, ensuring that food security is about quality and sustainability as much as it is about quantity. At HRB, our vision is a world where every meal is not only abundant but also designed to support both human and planetary health, harnessing the ground-breaking potential of CRISPR and plant biotechnology.

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Jorik Bremer is the Director of Sales at Hudson River Biotechnology, where he leverages his expertise in B2B go-to-market strategies to drive innovation and growth in the biotechnology sector. With a forward-looking approach to transforming the food value chain through advanced genetic editing and synthetic biology, Jorik is passionate about fostering a sustainable bio-economy. His extensive network of international C-level executives across corporates, governments, and investors underscores his ability to bridge science and business for impactful solutions.