Seed Genetics

São Paulo, Brazil — FuturaGene, the biotechnology arm of Suzano, has secured world-first regulatory clearance from Brazil’s National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio) for its gene-edited eucalyptus variety developed using CRISPR-Cas9.

The variety has been classified as a conventional organism under Normative Resolution No. 16 (RN 16), confirming that no foreign DNA was introduced during editing. The breakthrough is expected to:

• Reduce chemical inputs during pulp processing
• Lower industrial energy consumption
• Improve lignin optimization in eucalyptus wood
• Support more sustainable forestry systems

Controlled field trials will now proceed across multiple Brazilian regions under established biosafety protocols. The decision strengthens Brazil’s position as a global leader in precision breeding governance and commercial forestry biotechnology.