Global Databases Made GM Crop Approvals and Gene-Edited Animal Research Accessible to the Public

With modern biotechnology advancing faster than ever, both experts and the public need access to accurate information to understand its impact on food and agriculture. Databases that compile science-based data make it possible to track global developments and monitor approvals.

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, Inc. (ISAAA Inc.) pioneers the development of two databases that bring the latest updates and developments on genetically modified (GM) crops and gene-edited animals for agricultural applications around the world.

The GM Approval Database (GMAD) and Gene-Edited Animal Database (GEAD) are trusted sources of science-based information to policymakers, researchers, and the general public. GMAD and GEAD are available and free to use on the ISAAA website.

Maize Ranks First in GM Crop Approvals

The GM Approval Database (GMAD) is a comprehensive database that monitors and compiles information on GM crops, also called transgenic plants, that have been approved for planting and importation for food and feed, and commercialization from 46 countries globally. This database provides detailed information about biotech events with a brief description, trait, developer, and year of approval for cultivation since 1992.

As of August 2025, GMAD has a total of 534 approvals, with maize having the most number of approvals with 209 events, followed by cotton with 74 events, and soybean with 53 events. The majority of the events (256 events) have stacked trait events, and 278 events have singular trait events. Approvals for food, feed, and cultivation are at their peak in 2022. From 1998 to 2023, Colombia had the highest number of food approvals, while the European Union and Argentina topped feed and cultivation approvals, respectively.

GMAD had a total of 1,434,242 page views from September 2024 to August 2025.

Gene-Edited Animals Often Move Forward Without Regulatory Approval

In collaboration with the University of California - Davis (UC Davis), ISAAA Inc. also developed the Gene-Edited Animal Database (GEAD), the first of its kind to consolidate information on animal biotechnology. GEAD has 34,564 page views from September 2024 to August 2025.

Gene-edited products are not often subject to regulatory approvals. Commonly, these products go through a regulatory process to determine whether they are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or not.

As of July 2025, GEAD presents 17 entries of gene-edited animals that have undergone the regulatory process and 192 entries that have not undergone the regulatory process. Cattle (7), pigs (3), and tiger pufferfish (2) make up the top three species that have undergone the regulatory process. In contrast, pigs (52), cattle (23), and sheep (20) rank highest among the species that did not go through the regulatory process.

The Value of Reliable Data on Biotechnology

In an era where misinformation spreads in seconds, the ISAAA databases provide a trusted source of verified, science-based information. Drawing from peer-reviewed scientific reports and regulatory documents, these databases ensure accuracy and credibility for users across sectors. The databases are valuable tools for researchers, educators, and the general public by providing access to clear, transparent information and data on modern biotechnology. 

ISAAA continues to manage and update the databases with new research and approvals, with the support of its partners. As breakthroughs emerge, these databases will be regularly updated to ensure that global audiences remain informed about the latest developments in agricultural and animal biotechnology.

Visit the ISAAA GM Approval Database and Gene-Edited Animal Database to use their features and functions. The infographics Approved Transgenic Plant Events (1992-2024) and Gene-Edited Animals for Agricultural Applications are free to download on the ISAAA website.

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