Futuragene gene edited eucalyptus brazil ctnbio approval 2026

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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:

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

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:

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