Gene Editing in Crops: The Future of Food Security?

Introduction 

With the world’s population set to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, ensuring we have enough food to go around is becoming increasingly difficult. Climate change, soil degradation, and supply chain pressures are making it harder for farmers to keep up with demand. With so much uncertainty, scientists are turning to gene editing as a potential solution—one that could help create stronger, higher-yielding, and more resilient crops.

But is gene editing really the answer to food security? Or does it raise more questions than it answers?

How Gene Editing Works

The most popular method for gene editing is CRISPR-Cas9, a technology that allows scientists to "cut" specific parts of the DNA sequence and "paste" desired traits. This level of precision enables the development of crops that are not only more resilient but also more nutritious.

For instance, scientists can use CRISPR to develop drought-resistant crops, which is crucial as climate change continues to affect water availability. The potential for creating crops with enhanced nutritional profiles, such as higher vitamin content, is also being explored.

How Gene Editing Could Help Farmers

1. Bigger and Better Yields:
As food demand soars, farmers are under pressure to produce more without expanding farmland. Gene editing can help create faster-growing, higher-yielding crops that thrive even in poor soil or harsh conditions.

2. Stronger Crops That Fight Off Disease
Every year, farmers lose billions due to plant diseases. Gene editing can help crops develop natural immunity to common threats like fungi and bacteria, meaning fewer pesticides and more reliable harvests.

3. Less Need for Fertilisers and Chemicals
Some gene-edited plants have been designed to absorb nutrients more efficiently, meaning they need less fertiliser to grow well. Others have been made naturally resistant to pests, cutting down the need for chemical sprays.

4.Crops That Can Survive Extreme Weather
With more droughts, floods, and heatwaves happening across the world, climate-resilient crops could be a game-changer. Scientists are already working on drought-resistant maize and flood-tolerant rice to help farmers cope with the unpredictable weather.

5.More Nutritious Food
Gene editing isn’t just about improving farming—it could also help people eat better. Scientists are developing wheat with lower gluten levels, vitamin-enriched bananas, and even allergy-free peanuts to tackle common dietary concerns.
  

Where Does Gene Editing Stand Around the World?

Different countries have taken very different approaches to regulating gene-edited crops.

• The U.S. and China have fast-tracked approvals for gene-edited crops, meaning they can be developed and sold more easily. China has already approved gene-edited wheat, maize, and rice to help improve food security.
• The European Union has traditionally been much stricter, treating gene-edited crops the same way as GMOs. However, this stance is now starting to shift, with discussions on easing restrictions to allow for wider use.
• Public opinion is mixed. Some people are excited about the benefits, while others worry about long-term safety and ethical concerns. Studies suggest that consumers are more likely to accept gene-edited food if they can see a direct benefit, such as better nutrition or longer shelf life. 

What About Ireland?

Ireland currently follows EU rules on gene-edited crops, meaning the technology has been heavily restricted so far. However, with the EU reviewing its stance, there’s a growing debate about whether Ireland should embrace gene editing to improve food security and sustainability.

If the rules change, Irish farmers could start using gene-edited crops to boost yields, improve disease resistance, and reduce the need for costly fertilisers. But public opinion and market demand will play a big role in how quickly the technology is adopted. As one of Europe’s biggest agricultural exporters, Ireland will need to balance innovation with consumer trust and environmental responsibility.

Concerns and Ethical Questions

Despite the potential benefits, gene editing isn’t without controversy. There are still big questions to answer before it becomes mainstream.

1. Is It Completely Safe?

Even though gene editing is precise, mistakes can still happen. Some modified crops have unexpectedly produced new allergens or toxins, which means rigorous safety checks are needed before they reach the food chain

2. Could It Harm Biodiversity?

If only a handful of gene-edited crops dominate the market, genetic diversity could decline, making food systems more vulnerable to pests and diseases. This has happened before—monoculture farming was partly to blame for the Irish Potato Famine.

3. Who Controls the Technology?

Most gene-editing patents are held by a few large biotech companies, raising concerns about who benefits from the technology. Will it truly help small farmers, or will it widen the gap between industrial and family-run agriculture?

4. Will Consumers Accept It?
Many people still don’t fully trust genetically modified food, and gene editing may face the same resistance. Transparency, education, and clear labelling will be key to building trust and helping consumers make informed choices.

So, Is Gene Editing the Future of Food Security?

Several gene-edited crops are already being developed and tested, including:

• Longer-lasting tomatoes to help cut down on food waste.
• Drought-resistant maize for unpredictable weather.
• Disease-resistant wheat to reduce reliance on fungicides.
• Healthier soybeans with better oil profiles for cooking.

Governments and research institutions are investing in public breeding programmes to ensure gene editing benefits everyone, not just big agribusinesses. If properly managed, it could play a key role in creating a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Conclusion 

Gene editing could transform agriculture, helping farmers grow stronger, more resilient, and higher-yielding crops in the face of climate change and food insecurity. It offers solutions like disease resistance, improved nutrition, and reduced reliance on fertilisers, but it also raises concerns around safety, biodiversity, and corporate control.

For Ireland, the future of gene editing depends on EU regulations and public trust. If restrictions ease, farmers could benefit from gene-edited crops, but balancing innovation with consumer confidence and sustainability will be key.

Ultimately, gene editing is a powerful tool, but not a cure-all. Its success will depend on responsible regulation, fair access, and transparent communication to ensure it benefits everyone—not just a select few.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.