AgroNetica Has Commercialized CRISPR Cacao Traits
The company has developed gene-edited cacao with increased resistance to a damaging fungal disease.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Biotech
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AgroNetica has commercialized a new gene-editing technology designed to help cacao crops resist Phytophthora black pod disease. This development aims to combat the 20-30% of global cacao yields currently lost to the fungal pathogen.
Why it matters
As climate change and disease pressures reduce global cacao yields, this gene-editing approach offers a pathway to stabilize production. Regulatory shifts in the European Union have recently categorized specific CRISPR-edited varieties as conventionally bred, facilitating faster adoption.
AgroNetica, a subsidiary of BetterSeeds, utilizes second-generation CRISPR technology to silence plant genes. This method produced cacao varieties that experienced 42% less damage from black pod disease in controlled assays.
The players
AgroNetica
An Israel-based subsidiary of BetterSeeds focused on the genetic improvement of cacao and peanuts.
BetterSeeds
A biotech company that developed a second-generation CRISPR technology designed to silence plant genes.
The details
AgroNetica plans to expand its research to include cacao traits that eliminate caffeine content and reduce heavy metal uptake. The company utilizes propagation material that allows for the creation of millions of trees from existing saplings, a process now supported by favorable EU regulatory updates.
Timeline
BetterSeeds was founded in 2017.
The EU voted in favor of new CRISPR regulations in June 2026.
The company expects operational revenue to fund its activities by 2028.
The Tech Race
This development represents a major shift in the agricultural biotech sector as gene-editing moves from experimental labs to commercial application. By aligning with updated EU regulatory standards, the company positions itself to replace traditional, slower breeding methods with precise genetic silencing.
Consumers may eventually see more stable supply chains for chocolate products as this technology addresses the significant yield losses caused by disease. By improving plant resilience, the company aims to mitigate the volatility that currently impacts global cacao availability.
The takeaway
The commercialization of gene-edited cacao represents a critical intersection of precision agriculture and food security. As these crops reach the market, they could play a vital role in counteracting the production declines currently driven by environmental and biological stressors.
What happens next
AgroNetica plans to raise at least $15 million in an upcoming funding round to support its research and development pipeline.
Further reading
For additional context on the evolution of genetic science in food production, visit the Biotech section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AgNavigator.
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