USDA Grants Exemption for Amfora's Gene-Edited, Ultra-High Protein Soybeans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has granted Amfora, Inc. an exemption for its gene-edited, ultra-high protein soybeans. Amfora's gene-edited soybeans are not subject to the regulations in 7 CFR Part 340 and can be marketed without undergoing further review by the USDA.

Amfora used a patented CRISPR gene editing process to increase the protein content of its soybeans, by upregulating the activity of a specific gene. The upregulated activity increases the protein level and decreases the carbohydrate level in the soybeans without introducing any foreign DNA.

The decision accelerates the path to commercialization for Amfora's ultra-high protein soybeans. The ruling opens the door for Amfora's gene-edited soybeans to provide a scalable, low-cost, high-density protein source. The company expects to apply this patented technology to other food and feed crops including peas and other legumes, and grains including rice and wheat.

For more details, read the news release from Amfora.