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

Meeting the increasing demand for food and industrial products by the growing global population requires targeted efforts to improve crops, livestock, and microorganisms. Modern biotechnology, particularly genetic modification (GM) and genome-editing (GE) technologies, is crucial for food security and environmental sustainability. China, which is at the forefront of global biotechnological innovation and the rapid advancements in GM and GE technologies, has prioritized this field by implementing strategic programs such as the National High-tech Research & Development Program in 1986, the National Genetically Modified Organism New Variety Breeding Program in 2008, and the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project in 2022. Many biotechnological products have been widely commercialized in China, including biofertilizers, animal feed, animal vaccines, pesticides, and GM crops such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), maize (Zea mays), and soybean (Glycine max). In this review, we summarize progress on the research and utilization of GM and GE organisms in China over the past 3 decades and provide perspectives on their further development. This review thus aims to promote worldwide academic exchange and contribute to the further development and commercial success of agricultural biotechnology.