CONFERENCE DAY TWO | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025
8:15 am Check In & Morning Coffee
8:55 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Streamlining Regulatory Approvals for Faster Market Access
9:00 am Navigating Regulatory Challenges in CRISPR AgBio: Safety Assessments & Global Compliance
Synopsis
- Discussing the complexities of meeting varying regulatory guidelines in different countries, focusing on stringent EU standards and the implications for seed safety assessments
- Exploring the processes involved in protein characterization and safety assessments to ensure the safety of genetically modified seeds for human and environmental consumption
- Examining innovative approaches and best practices for navigating the regulatory landscape in CRISPR AgBio, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and efficacy in safety assessments
9:30 am Aligning Internal Regulatory Compliance with External Policy to Accelerate CRISPR Innovation in Agriculture
Synopsis
- Developing strategic internal regulatory frameworks to meet evolving global CRISPR regulations
- Advocating for regulatory policies that support innovation and address safety concerns
- Collaborating across industry, academia, and regulatory bodies to shape a conducive environment for gene-editing technologies
10:00 am Regulatory Roadblocks: Aligning CRISPR Innovations with Food Policy
Synopsis
- Exploring how food science companies can facilitate the commercialization of gene-edited crops by combining technical expertise with regulatory know-how
- Navigating the complexities of FDA food policy to ensure compliance and approval of CRISPR-edited agricultural products
- Building consumer confidence in CRISPR-based food products by ensuring clear communication, rigorous safety assessments, and regulatory alignment
10:30 am Morning Break & Refreshments
11:30 am Panel Discussion: Uniting Global Regulatory Efforts for a Harmonized Approval Process
Synopsis
- Building a global consensus on gene-editing regulations by fostering international dialogue to align regulatory frameworks across different countries
- Learning from regions with streamlined regulatory processes by drawing lessons from countries with efficient approval systems for gene-edited crops
- Exploring the impact of regulatory harmonization on global food security by examining how unified regulations could accelerate the distribution of gene-edited crops worldwide, improving food availability and sustainability
12:15 pm Overcoming Regulatory & Market Challenges in China & Beyond for CRISPR Crops
Synopsis
- Delving into the specific challenges of securing regulatory approval in China and other international markets for CRISPR crops
- Exploring the strategic steps needed to bring commodity crops like soybean and corn to the global market
- Learn about the near-commercial status of CRISPR crops, including the role of field trials and the importance of gaining international approval
12:45 pm Lunch
Strengthening Crop Defences to Combat Disease, Pests & Climate Challenges
1:45 pm The Future of Biocontrol: Harnessing Gene Editing for Enhanced Pest Control & Crop Resilience
Synopsis
- pgSIT™ technology: eco-friendly, cost-effective biocontrol preventing pest procreation to protect crops
- Improved sterile insect method: stronger, gene-edited males outperform traditional SIT techniques
- KNOCK-OUT™ field trials: ongoing tests for controlling Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) and future applications
Accelerating Product Commercialization & Consumer Trust
2:15 pm Navigating the Path to Market: Challenges in Commercializing Gene-Edited Crops in Africa
Synopsis
- Discussing the complex regulatory landscape for gene-edited crops in Africa, including the necessary approvals from government bodies and compliance with international standards
- Exploring the implications of IP rights on gene editing technologies, highlighting the importance of securing licenses and utilizing humanitarian licensing approaches
- Examining the transition from laboratory research to practical application in agricultural settings, focusing on lessons learned from field trials in Africa and strategies for effective dissemination to farmers
2:45 pm Afternoon Break
3:30 pm Harnessing Gene Editing for Sustainable Agriculture: Meeting Supply Chain Challenges at Mars
Synopsis
- Exploring how gene editing can enhance crop resilience and productivity, contributing to lower emissions and more sustainable farming practices
- Discussing the potential for gene editing to develop crops with enhanced water-use efficiency, helping to address the growing challenge of water scarcity in agriculture
- Examining how gene editing can be leveraged to increase yield and disease resistance in perennial crops like cacao, reducing the pressure for land expansion and deforestation
Tackling Woody Crop Challenges to Bring Perennial Crops to Market
4:00 pm Overcoming Challenges in Woody Crop Gene Editing to Improve TransformationOvercoming Challenges in Woody Crop Gene Editing to Improve Transformation
Synopsis
- Addressing technical challenges in editing perennial crops by overcoming the difficulty of transforming woody species
- Improving transformations in trees and grapevines through new delivery systems by using advanced techniques to enhance gene delivery
- Gaining insights from industry collaborations on perennial crop solutions to showcase how partnerships driving innovation and solving the unique challenges of woody crop gene editing
4:30 pm CRISPR Breakthroughs in Citrus: A Path to Disease-Resistant Crops
Synopsis
- Innovations in CRISPR transformation methods for woody crops: Achieving nontransgenic, disease-resistant citrus in the first generation
- Targeting susceptibility genes to combat Huanglongbing (HLB) and citrus canker
- Navigating long breeding cycles and preparing for large-scale propagation of CRISPRedited citrus trees