Gene editing in animal agriculture: Challenges to commercialization in the US pork industry

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the first gene-edited animal of commercial significance within the next 12 months, thus clearing the way for the market release of a pig resistant to the porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV). Widespread adoption of the technology in the US would improve herd health and stabilize the pork supply, although it would require adjustments in industry infrastructure and swine trade. Our scenario analysis shows that a gradual rollout of the technology to produce PRRSV-resistant pigs (PRP) would limit the immediate disruptive market impact.

Consumer attitudes toward gene-edited foods appear more constructive than for earlier genetically modified products, although surveys remain mixed. Efforts to maintain a transparent process should ease acceptance, although identifying and communicating consumer benefits remain critical.

However, US commercialization of the PRP technology will not advance until regulatory approval is granted in the key pork export markets of Mexico and South Korea. Without this regulatory clarity, new technologies might struggle to attract capital.

While regulators must ensure food system safety, they also need to provide clear guidelines to investors on the approval process to foster continued innovation in the animal protein supply chain.

Emerging technologies such as gene editing will play a crucial role in enabling animal producers to adapt to a more challenging production environment, improving resilience, derisking the supply chain, and boosting global food security.