Agri Biotech

FuturaGene Secures World First Regulatory Approval for Gene Edited Eucalyptus in Brazil

Key Highlights
  • World-first regulatory approval for gene edited eucalyptus
  • Classified as a conventional organism under Brazil RN 16
  • Developed using CRISPR Cas9 precision gene editing
  • Designed to reduce chemical inputs and energy consumption in pulp processing
  • Controlled field trials to begin across Brazil

São Paulo, Brazil — FuturaGene, the biotechnology subsidiary of Suzano, has secured what is being described as a world first regulatory approval for a gene edited eucalyptus variety. Brazil’s National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio) formally classified the variety as a conventional organism, clearing the path for field development under Brazil’s established biosafety framework.

Regulatory Clarity Under RN 16

CTNBio confirmed that the variety qualifies for exemption under Normative Resolution No. 16 (RN 16). The eucalyptus was developed using CRISPR Cas9, categorized as a New Breeding Technique, enabling a precise single-gene edit within the eucalyptus genome.

Importantly, no foreign DNA was introduced. Regulators determined the resulting modification is functionally comparable to naturally occurring genetic variation or outcomes achieved through conventional breeding.

This decision strengthens regulatory confidence in precision breeding technologies and reinforces Brazil’s progressive stance on gene editing governance.

Industrial Impact: Lignin Optimization

The targeted edit improves lignin composition in eucalyptus wood. Lignin plays a central role in pulp manufacturing and heavily influences:

  • Chemical consumption during pulping
  • Energy intensity of industrial processing
  • Overall production efficiency
  • Environmental footprint of fiber manufacturing

By optimizing lignin characteristics, the new variety is expected to reduce processing inputs while improving sustainability performance across large-scale pulp operations.

Next Step: Controlled Field Trials

Following approval, FuturaGene will proceed with controlled field trials across multiple growing regions in Brazil. These trials will operate under strict biosafety governance standards and full regulatory compliance.

Two Decades of Tree Biotechnology Leadership

FuturaGene has been active in tree biotechnology for more than 20 years. The company now holds 11 CTNBio approvals for genetically modified eucalyptus varieties, covering:

  • Yield enhancement traits
  • Herbicide tolerance
  • Insect resistance

This marks the company’s first regulatory approval for a gene edited eucalyptus variety, expanding its technological portfolio beyond traditional GM approaches.

Global Sustainability Implications

As demand for bio based materials and renewable industrial fiber grows, forestry innovation is becoming central to climate resilience strategies. Precision gene editing now complements genetic modification, providing a broader toolkit to address:

  • Climate adaptation challenges
  • Resource efficiency pressures
  • Industrial decarbonization goals
  • Land productivity optimization

The approval reinforces Brazil’s leadership in biotechnology governance and signals accelerating adoption of gene editing in commercial forestry systems.

For additional information:
www.futuragene.com