How CRISPR-Cas9 technology is revolutionizing food production to address global challenges like climate change and food security.
The growing global population and the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture are among the biggest threats to food security. Scientists are utilizing a revolutionary biotechnology tool to overcome these challenges: CRISPR-Cas9, commonly known as "genetic scissors." This technology is opening doors to producing more resilient, productive, and nutritious foods by precisely editing the genetic codes of plants and animals.
At its core, CRISPR-Cas9 is a natural immune system that bacteria have developed over millions of years to defend against viruses1 7 . Scientists have adapted this system to target, "cut," and thereby disable, correct, or even add new genes to any organism's DNA1 7 . In 2020, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this discovery1 .
This system consists of a "molecular scissor" (Cas9 protein) and a "GPS" (guide RNA) that directs this scissor to the right location in the DNA. Its critical difference from traditional GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) is that instead of typically adding a foreign gene to an organism, it can make much more precise and controlled changes by targeting genes already present in that organism's own DNA8 . This provides significant advantages in regulatory processes and consumer acceptance.
Molecular scissors that cut DNA at precise locations
GPS system that directs Cas9 to target genes
Scientists design guide RNA to match the target gene sequence
Cas9 protein binds with guide RNA to form the editing complex
The complex locates and cuts the target DNA sequence
Cell's repair mechanisms introduce desired genetic changes
CRISPR technology is revolutionizing agriculture by strengthening plants against drought, diseases, and pests caused by climate change. By 2025, it is expected that 30% of farms in the US will be using crops or livestock traits edited with CRISPR2 .
| CRISPR Application | Agricultural Problem Solved | 2025 Estimated US Adoption Rate (%) | Expected Annual Economic Impact (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drought-Resistant Crops | Drought, soil degradation, unstable yield |
|
$2.8 Billion |
| Disease-Resistant Crops & Livestock | Pathogens, animal/feed loss |
|
$1.4 Billion |
| Pest-Resistant Crops | Pest migration, increased pesticide demand |
|
$1.9 Billion |
| Yield-Enhancing Traits | Yield loss, market fluctuation |
|
$3.5 Billion |
| Improved Nutritional Value | Nutritional deficiencies, consumer health |
|
$700 Million |
| Shelf Life & Food Waste Reduction | Spoilage, food loss in supply chain |
|
$400 Million |
Using CRISPR, genes related to water use efficiency and root structure have been edited to develop drought tolerance in staple crops like corn and wheat2 . Similarly, in rice, genes that combat pathogens have been edited to confer resistance to rice blast disease, which has the potential to reduce fungicide use8 .
This technology is also used to enrich the nutrient content of crops. For example, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) levels in tomatoes have been increased by up to 15 times, creating a food richer in this compound which has calming effects4 8 . Additionally, beta-carotene levels are being increased in rice and bananas to address health issues related to vitamin A deficiency8 .
One of the most striking success stories of CRISPR in livestock is the PRRS virus-resistant pigs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early 20256 .
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a devastating virus in pig farming that causes the death of piglets, leading to economic losses exceeding $300 million annually in the US alone6 .
Scientists at the British company Genus brought a fundamental solution to the problem. They targeted the gene encoding a special gateway that the virus uses to enter pig lung macrophage cells, namely the CD163 surface receptor protein6 . Using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, they permanently disabled this receptor gene in pig embryos. In a simple analogy, they eliminated the keyhole that the virus uses to unlock at the genetic level.
The resulting pigs became completely immune to over 99% of the known types of PRRS virus6 . This showed that antibiotic or vaccine use might not be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. This groundbreaking experiment proved how powerful a tool CRISPR is, not only in plants but also in improving production and animal welfare in livestock farming.
PRRS virus uses CD163 receptor to enter cells
CD163 gene disabled using genetic scissors
Virus cannot enter cells, pigs become immune
Potential savings of $300M+ annually in the US alone6
Conducting a CRISPR/Cas9 experiment requires the following basic components and tools. These components work together to edit the target gene effectively and safely.
| Component/Tool | Function | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| CRISPR-Cas9 System | Acts as "scissors" to cut DNA. | Cas9 derived from Streptococcus pyogenes is the most commonly used version. |
| Guide RNA (gRNA) | A customized RNA molecule that directs the Cas9 protein to the target sequence in the genome. | Designed to target the CD163 gene in PRRS-resistant pigs6 . |
| Cell/Embryo Culture | Living cells of the organism whose genetics are to be edited. | Pig embryos were cultured in the laboratory6 . |
| Gene Delivery Methods | Methods used to transport CRISPR components into the cell. | Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is common in plants3 ; Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) are used in animals5 . |
| Editing Efficiency Analysis Tools | Tools used to verify whether the genetic editing was successful and to what extent. | Targeted amplicon sequencing is considered the gold standard for measuring editing efficiency3 . |
In the European Union, gene-edited products are assessed under GMO legislation, which requires long and complex approval processes1 4 . Although the European Parliament took steps to simplify these regulations in 2024, concerns about "unintended genetic changes," "allergen risk," and excessive control of agriculture by large biotechnology companies persist4 .
Risks inherent to the technology itself, such as "off-target effects" (cutting wrong genes), and how this technology will reach small farmers in developing countries are also important questions that need to be answered8 .
CRISPR's impact is not limited to fields. The food industry is also using this technology to improve the consumer experience:
CRISPR enables crops that require fewer pesticides, less water, and can grow in challenging conditions, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.
CRISPR-Cas9 is an extremely powerful weapon in humanity's struggle to ensure food security in the face of climate change, growing population, and diseases. By learning from nature's own mechanisms, science has developed a tool with the potential to make agriculture more efficient, resilient, and sustainable. Although challenges and debates continue, the precision of genetic scissors holds the promise of transforming our food system and building a healthier and fairer food future for everyone.