The food system is currently more susceptible to price and supply shocks than ever before. Globally, there is a heavy dependence on a limited number of staple crops, with rice, wheat, and corn accounting for over half of the energy derived from plant-based foods. Concurrently, climate change is impacting crop yields and sparking outbreaks of agricultural diseases, exacerbating food insecurity in many developing nations. A prime example of this delicate balance is the banana, the most consumed fruit in both the United States and worldwide. Approximately 99% of exported bananas belong to the Cavendish variety, which has shown vulnerability to various disease threats, such as Panama disease and black Sigatoka fungal infections. Research indicates that climate change has increased the likelihood of disease outbreaks affecting this fruit crop.
Since 2017, Tropic has been employing gene editing techniques on bananas to enhance their shelf life and minimize browning. The company shifted its focus to combating Panama disease in 2018, as detailed in a 2020 report from the European news outlet Sifted. Utilizing its GEiGS gene-editing tool, Tropic has been field-testing modified bananas for resistance to Panama disease. During the interview, Sifted noted that if the tests were successful, the company anticipated widespread use of the plants within five years, around 2025. Additionally, Tropic is targeting rice, which contributes to 25% of global calorie consumption and is already suffering from climate change-induced weather extremes.
Tropic is also exploring gene editing for coffee, a crop particularly vulnerable to water stress, rising temperatures, and elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The company claims its GEiGS technology holds promise for developing disease- and pest-resistant row crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat. Furthermore, there are plans to create chickens that can withstand avian flu. This innovative work has enabled Tropic to secure over $73 million in funding since its inception in 2016, attracting investors such as Temasek and Japanese banana producer Sumitomo Corp. The lead investor in its latest funding round, Blue Horizon, has built a reputation for investing in ventures that create a positive environmental impact while delivering financial returns.
In a statement, Blue Horizon CEO Björn Witte emphasized the firm’s commitment to “creating impact at scale” through its investments. “Tropic will have a massively positive impact in an area that may not make the front pages of our newspapers every day, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important; quite the contrary,” he remarked. Tropic is among several biotech firms striving to develop more resilient crops. For instance, Pairwise has collaborated with Tropic to share gene-editing technology, utilizing CRISPR to create pitless cherries and reduce bitterness in greens. Benson Hill is leveraging gene editing and AI analytics to produce more nutritious, sustainable, and flavorful plant ingredients, including yellow peas and soybeans.
Additionally, these advancements could be complemented by the fortification of crops with essential nutrients like calcium citrate and vitamin D, enhancing their nutritional profile and addressing deficiencies in the diet. As the agricultural landscape evolves, the integration of such nutrients through innovative biotechnological approaches could play a significant role in promoting food security and public health.