- In April 2023, HarvestPlus, a global leader in crop biofortification, announced a collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Research to expand the development and distribution of iron- and zinc-biofortified wheat varieties in the southern United States. This initiative aims to address micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations while supporting sustainable agriculture practices. The partnership emphasizes the growing focus on leveraging public research institutions to drive regional biofortification programs
- In March 2023, Bayer Crop Science unveiled its next-generation biofortified maize hybrids enhanced with provitamin A for pilot deployment in the U.S. Midwest. These new hybrids are designed to improve eye health and immune function, particularly in populations at risk of vitamin A deficiency. Bayer’s innovation reflects the increasing role of private agri-tech firms in accelerating the commercialization of nutrient-enriched staple crops
- In March 2023, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) launched a $10 million grant program under its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to support research on biofortification strategies. The program focuses on developing biofortified crops through both conventional and gene-editing techniques, highlighting the U.S. government’s commitment to combating hidden hunger through science-backed food solutions
- In February 2023, BioNutrients LLC, a biotech startup based in North Carolina, announced the successful field trials of its zinc-enhancing biofertilizer for soybeans. The product, aimed at increasing zinc uptake in crops through soil application, represents a major step toward scalable agronomic biofortification. BioNutrients plans to launch commercial distribution by late 2025, contributing to sustainable and nutrient-rich farming solutions
- In January 2023, Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in collaboration with McGill University initiated a community-based pilot project in Manitoba focusing on vitamin A-biofortified sweet potatoes. The project aims to provide Indigenous communities with access to more nutritious food sources while preserving traditional farming practices. This grassroots-level initiative demonstrates the role of biofortification in promoting nutritional equity and food sovereignty within underserved North American populations
