New Technologies

Increasing agricultural productivity is essential to meet the food, fuel, and fiber needs of a growing global population. Only by leveraging technology and  innovation can we provide farmers, fishers, foresters, and other producers with the tools they need to improve their productivity, sustainability, and resilience, while reducing agriculture's environmental and climate impacts.

USDA supports the safe and appropriate use of science and technology, including biotechnology, to help meet agricultural challenges and consumer needs of the 21st century. USDA plays a key role in assuring that products produced using biotechnology are safe to be grown and used in the United States. Once these products enter commerce, USDA supports bringing these and other products to the worldwide marketplace.  Click here for more biotechnology Information from USDA.

 

Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing (September 2022)

Data and Analysis

On May 22, 2025, FAS Jakarta organized the Indonesia Agricultural Biotechnology Showcase highlighting to Government of Indonesia (GOI) officials, university students, and other stakeholders Indonesia’s advances in the field of agricultural biotechnology.
Thailand’s Department of Fisheries (DOF) has established procedures to certify aquatic animals developed through genome editing technology for domestic research and development, production, and/or distribution.
On May 7, 2025, China announced approvals for 11 new food materials and additives, three of which are products derived from genetically modified microorganisms.

News and Features

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States has requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
With research and development funds provided by the FAS Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, FAS and ARS are working to produce compostable PLU labels. They are collaborating with the International Fresh Produce Association and Sinclair Systems International to meet the EU standards. The goal is to develop adhesives that are both food-safe and compostable. When achieved, this will allow American companies to export fruits and vegetables as usual while helping to decrease food waste and methane emissions.
USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor and USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip met with Mexican officials regarding the presidential decree to phase out the use and importation of genetically engineered corn and other products.