Origin Agritech announces breakthrough in high-yield corn production through gene editing

Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) (the "Company" or "Origin"), a leading Chinese agricultural technology company, announced a major breakthrough in corn production technology. Building on the Company's track record of innovation, Origin Agritech has developed a high-yield corn inbred line that significantly surpasses the productivity of traditional corn. This groundbreaking advancement was achieved through precise gene editing techniques, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to sustainable and efficient agriculture.

Over the course of two years of rigorous multilocational field trials, the new gene-edited corn inbred line demonstrated a yield increase of over 50% compared to the original line. This leap in productivity has the potential to addressing global food security challenges through cutting-edge agricultural technologies.

Dr. Gengchen Han, Chairman and CEO of Origin Agritech, stated, "The significant increase in yield potential heralds a new era in corn production, offering a sustainable solution to meet the growing global demand for food. We believe that our gene-edited high-yield corn will play a crucial role in enhancing food security and sustainability worldwide."

The Company plans to fully integrate this trait into its elite commercial corn line by the end of 2024. This integration is expected to greatly enhance seed yield and significantly reduce the cost of hybrid seed production. In addition, Origin will conduct field demonstrations and seed production trials in the summer of 2024. These events will showcase the technology's performance and its potential impact on the agriculture industry.