The Chilean startup Neocrop Technologies, in collaboration with the national seed company Campex Baer and Argentina’s Buck Semillas, has developed a genetically edited wheat variety with a dietary fiber content five to ten times higher than that of conventional flour wheat—without compromising the flavor, texture, or quality of white flour.
On July 25, 2025, Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) officially confirmed that these new wheat lines, developed using CRISPR gene-editing technology, are not classified as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). This landmark decision clears the way for field cultivation without additional regulatory barriers — marking the first gene-edited wheat in the Americas to receive such approval, according to a press release.
As part of its commitment to promoting healthier diets, Neocrop Technologies has developed a high-fiber “white” wheat variety that retains the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional wheat. This breakthrough was achieved through precision gene editing — without introducing foreign DNA or genes from other organisms.
The innovation aims to tackle low dietary fiber intake in countries like Chile and Argentina, where refined flour products dominate. The project has already reached several key milestones, including laboratory validation, a provisional patent filing in 2024, and the initiation of field trials scheduled for 2025/2026. Neocrop is also engaging with Argentina’s regulatory authority, CONABIA, and plans to expand its efforts to Brazil and the United States — positioning Chile as an emerging leader in food biotechnology.
Source : Seedworld
