Was Golden Rice a failure?

Golden rice, initially envisioned as a solution to vitamin A deficiency, encountered challenges with its first iteration, GR1. This early attempt failed to meet expectations and has been phased out.

In response, the multinational biotech company Syngenta embarked on developing a successor, Golden rice 2 (GR2). This new strain aims to provide a more effective source of pro-vitamin A.

GR2's development process was meticulous, with Syngenta starting from scratch to ensure the rice's optimal nutritional profile. The company's expertise in biotechnology was key to its success.

Despite its creation over a decade ago, GR2 remains in the field trial stage. This prolonged testing process ensures the safety and efficacy of the GM rice before it can be released for commercial use.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) plays a pivotal role in GR2's field trials. Its scientists conduct rigorous studies to assess the rice's performance under various conditions and its potential impact on farmers and consumers.