NVSU joins APO Workshop on Advancing Gene Editing in the Agrifood Sector

The Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) recently participated in the Workshop on Advancing Gene Editing in the Agrifood Sector, hosted by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) from September 25 to 27, 2024, via Zoom.

Flora Joy B. Garcia, Science Research Specialist I from the university’s Research and Development Program, represented NVSU, joining 34 participants from 11 APO-member countries, including Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey.

The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of gene-editing applications in the agrifood sector, share best practices in product design, development, and market introduction, and discuss strategies for advancing gene-editing applications among APO members.

Over the course of three days, experts highlighted the transformative potential of gene-editing technologies, with presentations covering global applications and specific advancements in Japan, India, the Philippines, and Australia. Topics included improvements in crop resilience, productivity, sustainability, and innovations in aquaculture. The sessions concluded with the presentation of strategies for designing gene-editing products among APO members and discussions on regulatory processes and public acceptance.

Additionally, the workshop provided a venue for networking and collaboration, with participants engaging in group workshops and presentations that highlighted country-specific challenges, opportunities, gene-editing products, and regulatory systems related to gene editing.

Although NVSU currently has no gene-editing projects, the workshop offered an opportunity to explore the potential benefits of this technology. It allowed NVSU to identify possible applications and consider integrating gene editing into future research projects, particularly in citrus and bananas.