Gene technologies moved the world to - the dawn of a new era - and have the
potential to contribute significant solutions to the world's challenges in
food security, climate, and biodiversity. This message was delivered by Qu
Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations (FAO) during the Borlaug International Dialogue of the World
Food Prize 2024 opening ceremony held on October 29, 2024, in Des Moines,
Iowa.



"The genetic revolution goes beyond increasing yields - it focuses on
exploring the solutions to biotic and abiotic resistance and safeguarding
vital genomic diversity which are fundamental to food diversity," the FAO DG
stressed in his keynote address titled From Genetics to the Generation: What
Does the Future Hold for Agrifood Systems and Food Culture.



DG Qu also emphasized the role of gene editing technology in speeding up the
development of new crops with improved traits. He studied plant breeding and
genetics and made important contributions to understanding the potato
genome.



"Advances in genetics improve effectiveness in developing new crops.
Gene-editing technology accelerates the breeding process significantly. It's
faster than traditional breeding methods. It improves resistance to pests,
diseases, and environmental stresses. This includes tolerance to high
temperatures, droughts, floods, and salinity, among others. These
advancements in gene editing might do more than just improve crop yields;
they could also bring people and cultures closer together," Qu explained.



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