Brief 57: Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2024

ISAAA Launches Brief 57: Global Report Highlights Advances in Biotech Crop Innovation and Widespread Adoption

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - February 27, 2026 - Since 1996, 73 countries have integrated genetically modified (GM) crops into their agricultural systems, 44 through cultivation and 29 through imports. These data demonstrate decades of safe use and widespread integration across all major regions, according to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc. report.

The report, titled Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops in 2024 (ISAAA Brief 57), was launched today through a webinar and reveals a robust expansion in the global agri-biotech landscape, driven by new crop approvals, climate-resilient traits, and the emergence of products developed to address consumers’ needs.

Presented by Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc. and the report’s lead author, ISAAA Brief 57 provides critical data on the adoption of biotech/GM crops across the globe. The report serves as the world’s most authoritative source for biotech/GM crop adoption data, used by regulators, scientists, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to track agricultural innovation.

Biotech/GM crop approvals and cultivation often serve as a strategic response to a nation’s needs and immediate challenges, such as intensifying pest pressure, high commodity import costs, or domestic supply deficits. Ultimately, it is a country’s responsibility to utilize political will and effective regulatory frameworks to overcome the challenges and hurdles. By prioritizing agri-biotechnology, nations can stabilize their food systems and ensure that the benefits of innovation reach the poor and marginalized people,” Dr. Aldemita highlighted.

The ISAAA Chair and former Secretary of the Philippine Department of Agriculture, Dr. William Dar, delivered the opening message, highlighting the importance of the ISAAA report in addressing challenges in agriculture and food. The launch event also featured reactions from experts who discussed the implications of the 2024 data for sustainable development, international trade, regional regulatory cooperation, and science communication. 

In a new initiative to provide continuous insights, ISAAA has integrated the release of Brief 57 into its Biotech Updates subscription service. Stakeholders can access the full electronic report and subsequent regional analyses (Asia, Americas, Africa, and Europe) through Elite and Corporate subscription tiers.

For more information on ISAAA Brief 57 or to subscribe to the ISAAA e-newsletter, visit the ISAAA website.

About ISAAA

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc. is a non-profit international organization that advances biotechnology knowledge by supporting transformative technologies, fostering impactful partnerships, and facilitating the development of science-based policies for food-secure communities.

Media Contact: 

Kristine Grace Tome
ktome@isaaa.org
https://www.isaaa.org/

To purchase a hard copy of the full Brief 57, send an e-mail to publications@isaaa.org.