Biotechnology

Biotechnology Conference
FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference

Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation

Programme
16 - 18 june 2025, FAO, Rome

Biotechnological applications for improving nutrition and food quality

  Tuesday 17 June
  14.00 - 15.30
  Sheikh Zayed Centre 

Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in enhancing dietary quality by improving the nutritional content and safety of food. Over past decades, biotechnological advancements have led to the development of crops with increased levels of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which are crucial for addressing nutrient deficiencies in various populations. Advances in biotechnology also contribute to improving the shelf life of food products and enriching foods with potentially beneficial compounds. The primary objective of the session is to show case the contribution of biotechnology to improving the nutritional value of foods, especially staple crops. Participants can learn about the recent advances of the application of biotechnologies on crop fortification and nutrition enrichment. The role of biotechnology in promoting healthy diets will also be discussed.

  • Development of new genetic materials for application in the human and animal nutrition 
    Ms Francesca Sparvoli, Research Manager, Institute for Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, Milan, Italy 
  • Develop and deliver micronutrient-rich staple food crops to reduce micronutrient deficiency among malnourished populations 
    Mr Arun Baral, Chief Executive Officer HarvestPlus, Washington DC, USA 
  • Rice genetic engineering and nutritional enhancement 
    Mr Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, National Agrifood and Bio-manufacturing Institute (NABI), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Mohali, (Punjab), India 
  • Applying genomics to enhance the use of nutritionally important underutilized crops and trees species: African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) Initiative 
    Ms Alice Muchugi, Theme Leader, Tree Genetic Resources and Biodiversity, CIFOR-ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya