Nuclear Biotech Innovations Take Center Stage at FAO Agrifood Conference in Rome

From June 16 to 18, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) headquarters in Rome played host to the FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference, a landmark international gathering focused on the transformative role of biotechnology in shaping food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. Among the most prominent contributors was the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, which showcased cutting-edge nuclear science applications that are revolutionizing modern agriculture.

The conference convened a diverse group of global stakeholders—including scientists, government officials, industry experts, and development partners—under one roof to explore biotechnology’s role in transforming agrifood systems. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu opened the event with a compelling call for a holistic and inclusive approach to biotechnology that prioritizes local adaptation and empowers vulnerable communities.

A Strong Presence from the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, a unique collaboration between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and FAO, made a substantial and highly visible contribution to the three-day event. Through expert panels, technical sessions, side events, exhibitions, and scientific posters, the Centre demonstrated how nuclear technologies are being harnessed to improve food systems from soil to shelf.

Precision Mutation Breeding: The Next Frontier

One of the most discussed innovations came from Dr. Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur, Head of the IAEA’s Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (PBGL), who introduced “Mutation Breeding 2.0” during the session on Genetic Improvement for Sustainable Crop Production Systems. She explained how scientists now use controlled radiation to create beneficial genetic variations in plants and integrate those insights with genomic tools to identify desirable traits—such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and higher yields.

This shift from chance-based to precision breeding is accelerating the development of climate-resilient crops, providing farmers with tailored solutions that meet specific regional challenges and market demands.

Animal Health and Disease Surveillance

In the livestock sector, Dr. Farai Muchadeyi, Head of the IAEA’s Animal Production and Health Section, highlighted biotechnological advances in animal disease control. She elaborated on the use of radiation to develop safer and more effective vaccines, such as those used to combat transboundary diseases like foot-and-mouth disease or zoonotic threats.

Her session also covered the VETLAB Network, a flagship IAEA-supported initiative that helps countries upgrade their laboratory capacities for early detection, surveillance, and response to animal health threats. This work is vital in controlling epidemics and safeguarding both food security and public health.

Food Safety Innovations and Rapid Response Tools

The Food Safety and Control Laboratory showcased new breakthroughs in detecting biological hazards and food contaminants. These included rapid screening tools for identifying mycotoxins, pesticide residues, and food fraud—technologies essential for enhancing consumer protection and maintaining trust in agrifood supply chains. By enabling quicker, more reliable responses, these tools help governments and producers alike navigate complex food safety challenges.

Scientific Posters: Field-Level Impact

Complementing the high-level sessions were a series of scientific posters illustrating the Centre’s real-world impact. Highlights included:

• Coffee mutation breeding to develop climate-smart, high-yield varieties

• Nuclear-based detection tools for fungal diseases in bananas

• Irradiated vaccines for controlling zoonotic and transboundary livestock diseases

• Food safety screening kits to support emergency response and crisis preparedness

Each of these projects reflects the Centre’s mission to integrate nuclear science into national and regional agrifood strategies.

Microbial Consortia and Soil Health

A standout moment came during a dedicated side event focused on soil and plant health. Sharath Chandran, a researcher at PBGL, presented innovative work on nuclear-augmented microbial consortia. These customized microbial blends, when introduced into soil systems, promote crop productivity and improve soil resilience—an essential component of long-term sustainable agriculture.

His research bridges nuclear and microbiological science to enhance nutrient cycling, combat soil degradation, and support eco-friendly farming methods.

A Platform for Dialogue, Integration, and Future Cooperation

The FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference also served as a forum for regulatory dialogue and cross-sectoral cooperation. Policymakers and scientists engaged in discussions on the ethical, legal, and institutional frameworks required to scale these innovations globally.

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging peaceful nuclear technologies to address global agricultural challenges. Its presence at the conference underscored the value of interdisciplinary research and international cooperation in achieving food security, sustainability, and inclusive development.

Looking Ahead: Science in Service of Humanity

As global agrifood systems grapple with climate shocks, population growth, and supply chain disruptions, the integration of nuclear technologies with biotechnology offers a powerful toolkit. The Rome conference not only celebrated current advancements but also set the stage for future collaboration, research, and policy alignment—ensuring that the benefits of science reach every farmer, producer, and consumer worldwide.