Benson Hill endorses Framework for Responsible Use of Gene Editing in Agriculture

Date:12-01-2022

The Coalition for Responsible Gene Editing in Agriculture announced that food tech company Benson Hill, Inc. has formally endorsed the Framework for Responsible Use of Gene Editing in Agriculture. With consumer needs in mind, Benson Hill combines data science, food science and plant science to leverage the natural genetic diversity within plants and design plant-based ingredients for new value-added markets.

″In the face of climate change and chronic malnutrition, we need to build a more resilient and agile food system to meet global protein demand, and that requires innovation,″ said Matt Crisp, Chief Executive Officer of Benson Hill. ″The precision of advanced breeding techniques like gene editing unlocks the opportunity to improve diverse crops and focus on benefits like taste, nutrition and sustainability. The Framework is part of our commitment to engagement and transparency as we work to leverage the full power of plants and deliver better choices to consumers.″

In publicly endorsing the Framework and acknowledging the value it provides to stakeholders throughout the agricultural and food supply chains, Benson Hill joins other food system leaders such as Cargill, Inc., Costco Wholesale, FMI – The Food Industry Association, and PepsiCo; and  agricultural leaders like BIO, Corteva Agriscience, Genus PLC, and Tropic Biosciences.

″I want to thank Benson Hill for recognizing the value of and endorsing the Framework,″ said Charlie Arnot, CEO of The Center for Food Integrity, the organization that administers the Coalition. ″Benson Hill is using technology to harness the potential of plants, from higher nutritional density to improved flavor. This is a great example of what can be accomplished when we responsibly apply technology to advance the health, nutrition, and climate resiliency of our food system.″

The Framework was developed by a multi-stakeholder Coalition that included representatives from food companies, academia, civil society, technology developers, farmers and related associations, including Benson Hill. It outlines a set of principles and commitments that organizations voluntarily follow to demonstrate their willingness to be transparent about their use of gene editing and intentions that benefit the food system, environment, and society as a whole.

Organizations that use gene editing or its outputs in food or agriculture are invited to join the Coalition and adopt the Framework. To download the Framework, visit geneediting.foodintegrity.org/responsible-use-guidelines/download-framework.

The Coalition was formed by The Center for Food Integrity to strive for global understanding and acceptance of the responsible use of gene editing technology in the food system. To learn more about the Coalition, visit geneediting.foodintegrity.org.