Drought has hit the economies of South America and has ruinous consequences for agricultural production. A possible solution to such losses – which are occurring more frequently due to the impact of climate change – could be on the horizon, thanks to one of the most resounding discoveries of Argentine biotechnology, “HB4” gene technology.

With regulatory approval currently in the pipeline, HB4’s widespread use would be a milestone for Argentina. It is an entirely national innovation and the result of a partnership between a public laboratory and Bioceres, a private company.

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Not everyone welcomes the evolution of biotechnology, however…. Their criticisms are broadly similar to those of 66 other GMOs approved to date in Argentina. They argue that such innovations end up having harmful effects on health – a direct consequence of the increased use of chemical phytosanitary products to prevent diseases and losses – as well as potentially adverse effects on other plant life.

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These criticisms have been echoed in some research, received media attention and even inspired popular works of fiction. Yet, the prevalence of such problems is still low according to other academic research.

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