For a long time, the cocoa plantations of West Africa have satisfied the world’s appetite for chocolate. Many farmers in Ivory Coast and Ghana depend on cocoa as their primary income source. Yet, the demand for cocoa continues to rise. It takes about 400 cocoa beans to make just one pound of chocolate. With global consumption increasing, especially in emerging markets, traditional production methods struggle to keep up.
But supply isn’t just a question of quantity—it’s also about sustainability. Climate change, deforestation, and the spread of crop diseases have made cocoa farming increasingly vulnerable. You could argue that without intervention, the world could face a severe cocoa shortage in the coming decades.
This has led researchers to explore how agricultural biotechnology (agribiotech) can support cocoa production, whether by improving crop genetics, enhancing disease resistance, or even rethinking how cocoa is produced.
One of the most intriguing advancements comes from Food Brewer, a Swiss biotech startup that has successfully cultivated cocoa in the lab. Using cellular agriculture, scientists have grown cocoa cells in bioreactors, creating a powder that, once roasted, mimics the taste, texture, and aroma of traditionally farmed cocoa.
If scaled up, this technology could provide a more sustainable alternative to conventional cocoa farming, reducing deforestation and stabilising supply chains.
Lab-grown cocoa is just one example of how agribiotech is transforming food production. Gene-edited crops and AI-driven breeding programs are also robust developments in agribiotech. This article explores some of the most groundbreaking developments in agribiotech and what they mean for the future of farming.
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Key Advancements in Agribiotech
Agribiotech is no longer limited to genetically modified crops—it has evolved into a multifaceted field that touches nearly every aspect of food production. The role of biotechnology in agriculture has been amplified through these advancements, enabling us to modify certain things in our favour. Here are some of the most groundbreaking developments in agribiotech.
CRISPR-Cas9
Farmers have selectively bred crops for centuries to improve yield, disease resistance, and adaptability. However, traditional breeding is slow, often requiring decades to achieve meaningful genetic improvements. CRISPR-Cas9 has transformed this process by enabling direct editing of plant DNA with unprecedented precision.
Unlike conventional genetic modification, which often involves inserting genes from other species, CRISPR works by making precise cuts to an organism’s existing DNA. This technique has enabled researchers to develop wheat resistant to fungal diseases, tomatoes with longer shelf life, and drought-tolerant rice that can withstand erratic weather patterns. In some cases, CRISPR-edited crops have already reached farmers’ fields, sidestepping much of the controversy surrounding older GMO methods.
However, its significance extends beyond crop resilience. Scientists are also using CRISPR to enhance nutritional content, such as developing biofortified cassava with higher iron and zinc levels to combat malnutrition in Africa. As regulatory frameworks evolve, CRISPR could soon become the backbone of modern agriculture, allowing food systems to adapt to climate change and growing population demands.
Biofuels and Biomaterials
The push for sustainability has driven agribiotech innovations that extend beyond food production. One of the most promising areas is the development of biofuels and biomaterials from agricultural waste. Crops like corn, sugarcane, and even algae are used to create bioethanol and biodiesel, providing cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.
But biofuels alone are just one piece of the puzzle. Agribiotech also enables the conversion of crop residues into biodegradable plastics and packaging materials. Startups are already producing plant-based bioplastics that decompose naturally, reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics that persist in the environment for centuries. This shift could transform industries beyond agriculture, with manufacturing, retail, and waste management implications.
Source: Pexel
Fish Nutrition Optimisation
As global fish consumption rises, aquaculture is under increasing pressure to produce more seafood without depleting wild fish stocks. However, a major challenge in fish farming has been feed sustainability. Traditionally, farmed fish diets rely heavily on fishmeal and fish oil, which are derived from wild-caught fish, contributing to overfishing.
Biotechnology is now solving this problem through alternative protein sources for aquaculture, such as algae-based omega-3 oils and microbial protein feeds. These innovations reduce dependence on marine resources and enhance fish growth and nutritional value. Some companies are even exploring genetically modified yeast that can produce essential fatty acids, mimicking the nutritional profile of fish oil without harming ocean ecosystems.
This shift is critical, as aquaculture is expected to supply nearly two-thirds of global seafood by 2030, according to reports. By replacing fishmeal with biotech-enhanced feeds, the industry can scale sustainably while maintaining the nutritional quality of farmed fish. Countries like Norway and China, both leaders in aquaculture, have already begun incorporating these innovations, signalling a broader shift toward responsible seafood production.
AI-Driven Breeding Programs
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising agriculture in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. While selective breeding has been practised for centuries, AI-driven breeding programs now allow scientists to predict desirable traits in crops and livestock with remarkable accuracy.
Using vast genetic datasets, machine learning algorithms analyse traits such as yield potential, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. This technology is already being used to breed wheat varieties that can thrive in extreme heat, cattle that produce more milk with fewer resources, and even disease-resistant pigs that reduce the need for antibiotics.
AI doesn’t just speed up the breeding process—it also enhances its precision. Instead of relying on trial and error, researchers can now simulate breeding outcomes, selecting the most promising genetic combinations before physical trials even begin. This level of efficiency could prove crucial as the world faces challenges like declining arable land and water scarcity.
Biotech-Enhanced Microbial Fertilisers
Fertilisers have long been a double-edged sword. While they boost crop yields, excessive use leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Biotech is now offering microbial fertilisers as a smarter solution.
These bioengineered microbes work by improving nutrient absorption in plants. For instance, nitrogen-fixing bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form crops can use, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. Similarly, phosphate-solubilising microbes help plants access naturally occurring phosphorus in the soil, cutting down on chemical inputs.
Source: Pexel
The Road Ahead
Agribiotech is no longer a niche field—it is the foundation of modern agriculture. From CRISPR-edited crops to AI-driven breeding and sustainable aquaculture, these innovations are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in food production.
But with every advancement comes new challenges. Regulatory approvals, public acceptance, and ethical considerations will shape how these technologies are adopted globally. At the same time, investment in agribiotech must be balanced with support for traditional farming communities, ensuring that innovation benefits all stakeholders—not just large agribusinesses.