FuturaGene is the first company in the world to have obtained regulatory approval to commercially deploy a yield-enhanced, genetically modified eucalyptus variety, our first product.

YIELD-ENHANCED GM EUCALYPTUS

We have developed the first genetically modified eucalyptus with increased productivity. Tests performed on our genetically modified variety in multiple geographies demonstrate significant gains in wood production when compared to conventional eucalyptus. We received approval for its commercial use from The Brazilian National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) in April 2015 and have subsequently continued to optimize derivatives of this variety through extensive testing across different biomes.

Genetic engineering

To develop our modified eucalyptus variety, we introduced a gene from the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, which codes for an enzyme which is involved in plant cell wall biosynthesis. The expression of this enzyme results in accelerated growth making it possible to obtain significantly more wood than conventional eucalyptus and thereby potentially reducing the footprint of our forests, generating multiple economic and environmental benefits.

To learn more of how this is done, click here.

Field trials and commercial approval

We initiated contained greenhouse testing of our genetically modified eucalyptus in 2001 and controlled field testing was initiated in 2006, demonstrating excellent plant profile and comprehensive safety for intensive cultivation and wood production.

Extensive, multi-year tests confirmed that our modified variety does not differ from conventional eucalyptus in environmental impact or chemical composition. All activities involving Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Brazil are regulated by the Law on Biosafety, which defines testing regimes and the parameters for performance of biosafety studies. The Brazilian regulatory system is considered to be one of the most comprehensive in the world. Following evaluation by the Brazilian National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio), our product was approved in April 2015 for planting for commercial purposes, thereby becoming the first genetically modified eucalyptus in the world approved for such commercial use.