Peruvian agriculture is [characterized] by crops such as potato, maize, rice, asparagus, mango, banana, avocado, cassava, onion, oil palm, chili, papikra, blueberry, coffee, cacao, grapes, quinoa, olive, citrus and others. All of them have challenges in production in their specific agroecosystems under stress due to pests, diseases, salinity, drought, cold among others.

Gene editing through CRISPR/Cas is a key tool for addressing critical challenges in agriculture by improving resilience to biotic and abiotic stress, increasing yield and enhancing the nutritional value of the crops. This approach allows precise mutation on site-specific gene at the DNA level, obtaining desirable traits when its function is altered.

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Those innovations could be a potential approach to strengthen the Peruvian agriculture, food security and agricultural economy, especially in the tropical, Andean and coastal regions…ensuring the conservation and valorization of agrobiodiversity for the benefit of Peruvian farmers.

One of the most significant advantages of gene editing is its potential to develop crops with enhanced resilience to climate change, a critical challenge for modern agriculture. Through targeted genetic and epigenetic modifications, it is possible to increase plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, such as drought and water scarcity…

Recent studies have shown that CRISPR/Cas9 has the potential to modify important genes associated with drought resistance in maize…Similarly, temperature-sensitive crops such as potatoes could benefit from genetic modifications designed to enhance their heat tolerance…

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Peruvian regulations emphasize the protection of biodiversity and public health based on the precautionary principle. Although the objective of this strategy is to conserve natural resources, it has caused controversy by restricting the use of technologies that could help increase the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural production. The moratorium not only reflects concern about the potential socioeconomic and environmental consequences of LMOs, but also serves to protect traditional agricultural methods and ancestral practices.

However, transgene-free editing presents a promising approach to overcoming these limitations while ensuring environmental safety, given that the Peruvian government develops an enabling regulatory framework that does not put unnecessary restrictions on innovation. Given advancements such as RNP complexes or ‘mobile’ CRISPR/Cas9 — both transgene-free and widely applied in crops of agronomic importance—there is a need to reassess existing regulatory frameworks. Updating and approving these regulations would facilitate the safe and efficient adoption of biotechnological innovations in Peru, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture.

In this context, cooperation between scientists, legislators, and farmers is crucial to creating an exemplary regulatory framework that promotes technological innovation while ensuring safety and environmental sustainability. Policies should consider all stakeholders’ needs and concerns and be guided by scientific knowledge. In addition, increasing public awareness of modern biotechnologies is essential and requires well-structured outreach and education programs.

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Gene editing, mediated by CRISPR/Cas system, particularly through transgene-free approaches in crops, offers promising opportunities for research, development, and practical application. This technology could significantly contribute to agricultural innovation within Peru’s agrifood systems by enhancing crop resilience and climate adaptability across the country’s diverse agroecosystem.

The adoption of transgene-free approaches, such as RNP-based editing and ‘mobile’ CRISPR/Cas9, could be a viable pathway to use biotechnological innovations in the Peruvian agriculture face to the strict provisions of the Peruvian moratorium on GMOs, ensuring greater compliance with biosafety standards.

Finally, the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks that balance technological innovation with ecological and social responsibility is crucial to fully harness the potential of gene editing and to advance a sustainable and globally competitive agricultural sector in Peru. Achieving this goal will require effective collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and farmers. Public awareness and education campaigns will also go a long way in promoting acceptance and understanding of this technology [based] on science.

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