The year 2024 will be remembered as a landmark for biotechnology in Argentina, where agricultural innovation has become a symbol of progress.

With the approval of 25 new products by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the country reached the highest number of authorizations in almost three decades.  

This figure represents 24.53% of all approvals since the registry began and surpasses the previous record of 16 in 2018, consolidating Argentina as a global leader in the field. 

Biotechnology, a discipline that combines biology and technology to harness living organisms for productive purposes, has transformed key sectors such as medicine and agriculture. Its applications range from groundbreaking vaccines to crops resistant to extreme climates.

In this context, Argentina streamlined its regulatory processes for genetically modified crops, microorganisms, and vaccines. Key institutions like CONABIA and SENASA ensure environmental safety, food security, and commercial benefits for each innovation. 

Among the most notable approvals of 2024 are bioengineered yeasts that enhance bioethanol production and genetically modified vaccines to prevent diseases in pigs and poultry.

These developments not only boost agricultural productivity but also highlight how biotechnology provides sustainable solutions to global challenges. 

What does this impact mean for the region?

The impact of this leadership goes beyond science. Argentina achieved a record in biotech seed exports —particularly off-season corn and soybeans— boosting the local seed industry and bringing foreign currency to the national economy.

Meanwhile, global breakthroughs such as CRISPR gene editing and engineered microorganisms for environmental use show that the country is aligned with cutting-edge international advances. 

According to experts, this historic milestone reflects the synergy between science, technology, and public policy. By closing 2024 with 25 newly approved products, Argentina demonstrates that biotechnology, increasingly supported by artificial intelligence, is not only a promise for the future but also a strategic resource to address present challenges and secure sustainable growth worldwide.