Abstract:

Agricultural synthetic biology, as an emerging interdisciplinary field, synergistically integrates fundamental principles from biology, engineering and computer science, and is committed to promoting agricultural production toward greater efficiency and sustainability through the innovative design and engineering of biological systems. In recent years, governments worldwide have accelerated the development of this field through the combined efforts of policy initiatives and technological innovation. Countries and regions including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia have introduced policies to explicitly support the research and application of key technologies, such as gene editing and metabolic engineering, in the agricultural field. These supportive frameworks have greatly advanced the global development of agricultural synthetic biology. In China, active efforts are being made to construct an integrated innovation ecosystem connecting industry, academia, and research institutions, with the goal of accelerating the industrialization of agricultural synthetic biology technologies. Currently, several technologies have achieved initial commercial applications in areas such as breeding, food and feed production, and biological pesticides. In crop breeding, precise genome editing enables the development of varieties with enhanced yield, improved nutritional quality, and greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the field of food and feed, genetic engineering is employed to modify microorganisms to produce enzyme preparations that improve feed digestibility and nutritional value, as well as to develop microbial-based biopreservatives to replace chemical preservatives, or natural-source coatings that extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, biological pesticides derived from natural microorganisms, plant extracts or insect pheromones can effectively reduce the impact on soil, water sources and ecosystems, while reducing the risk of residues. These products are increasingly applied in crop protection, and offer sustainable alternatives for reducing environmental pollution while safeguarding food safety. Several innovative enterprises worldwide have provided valuable experience and insights into the development and application of agricultural microbial products. These companies not only demonstrate effective pathways for translating laboratory research into practical products, but also offer business models that serve as valuable references for the broader industry. Simultaneously, a number of Chinese enterprises are actively exploring the application of synthetic biology to improve crop breeding, enhance crop resistance to stress and diseases, and develop biopesticides, biofertilizers, and new bio-based materials. Some are employing synthetic biology approaches to improve crop performance under adverse environmental conditions or to enhance soil health by optimizing microbial community structures. Despite recent breakthroughs, the continued development of agricultural synthetic biology still faces numerous challenges, including limited market acceptance, underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, insufficient capital investments, and persistent technological bottlenecks. Overcoming these challenges requires a concerted, multi-faceted approach that integrates policy guidance, technological innovation, and industrial upgrading. It is essential to foster synergistic development across key domains, including the engineering of non-food crops, the expansion of photoautotrophic microbial platforms, and the advancement of carbon capture and utilization technologies. At the same time, interdisciplinary collaboration should be strengthened to encourage more research institutions and enterprises to engage in this field. Through the combined forces of supportive policies and increased capital investment, barriers such as ecological risk assessment can be effectively addressed, thereby accelerating the commercialization of new products. Governments must act promptly to establish clear, science-based regulatory pathways that ensure the safety and efficacy of emerging agricultural biotechnologies, while investors should recognize the transformative potential of this field and provide financial support for startups and research initiatives. Ultimately, the goal is to catalyze a global agricultural transformation that ensures food security for a growing population, mitigates the impacts of climate change, and promotes ecological conservation and restoration. Through collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, agricultural synthetic biology has the potential to become a driving force for advancing modern agriculture and building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for humanity.

Key words: synthetic biology, agriculture, innovation chain, industrial chain, policy planning

摘要：

农业合成生物学作为融合生物学、工程学与计算机科学的交叉学科，通过创新设计与改造生物系统，推动农业生产向更高效、可持续的方向发展。其进步不仅依赖技术创新，更需政策规划与产业需求的动态适配。近年来，全球各国政府通过政策制定、创新与产业促进，加速推进该领域的发展。政策方面，美国、欧盟、英国及澳大利亚等国家和地区，通过顶层设计和配套措施，支持基因编辑、代谢工程等关键技术在农业领域的研发与应用。我国亦积极构建产学研一体化的创新生态系统，加速农业合成生物学技术的创新与产业化进程。产业方面，在政策引导下，创新技术已在育种、食品与饲料、生物农药等细分领域实现初步商业化。国际创新企业在农用微生物等产品的开发应用中积累了宝贵的经验；我国也涌现出一批企业，正积极利用合成生物学技术提高作物育种水平、增强作物抗逆性，并开发生物农药、生物肥料以及新型原材料。尽管取得了一些突破性进展，但该领域产业化仍然面临市场接受度低、资金投入不足、监管制度不完善等挑战。克服这些挑战需要政策引导、技术创新、产业升级等多方面的协同发力，实现从非粮作物开发、光自养平台拓展至碳捕获等领域的多元化发展。通过政策与资本结合，破解生态风险评估难题，缩短产品上市周期，为农业领域带来革命性的变革。

关键词: 合成生物学, 农业, 创新链, 产业链, 政策规划