USDA Grants Exemption for Amfora's Gene-Edited, Ultra-High Protein Soybeans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has granted Amfora, Inc. an exemption for its gene-edited, ultra-high protein soybeans. Amfora's gene-edited soybeans are not subject to the regulations in 7 CFR Part 340 and can be marketed without undergoing further review by the USDA.

Amfora used a patented CRISPR gene editing process to increase the protein content of its soybeans, by upregulating the activity of a specific gene. The upregulated activity increases the protein level and decreases the carbohydrate level in the soybeans without introducing any foreign DNA.