Author Description

Global Regulatory Outlook for CRISPRized Plants summarizes CRISPR/Cas systems and applications for precise editing of plant genomes and discusses the global regulatory framework for CRISPR-edited crops. While CRISPR technology has become a routine, inexpensive, and efficient method to generate edited crops with superior traits, its future will be determined by how it is regulated. Understanding the current state of regulation, the concerns, issues, and foundations for decisions will be key in determining how this technology is used going forward. A major challenge to the world community in the future will be keeping food and energy production aligned with the increasing world population and changing climate. To meet the 21st-century population demands, the world needs to grow crop varieties with high yield, tolerance to drought, heat and salt, and with better nutritional values and shelf life. CRISPR technologies will likely continue to evolve and CRISPR crops will play a major role in future food security of the world. However, further commercialization of CRISPR crops requires addressing regulatory frameworks for GMOs and the overall global debate about appropriate regulation. A volume in the Genome Modified Plants and Microbes in Food and Agriculture series, Global Regulatory Outlook for CRISPRized Plants highlights the regulatory classification of CRISPR modifications such as SDN1, SDN2, and SDN3. The book discusses the social, ethical, governance, and policy issues related to CRISPR-edited crops. This important summary will be vital to the successful commercialization of CRISPR technology and biosafety concerns associated with this technology.