Milestone for an Argentine company: United States approves drought-tolerant wheat
El trigo HB4, desarrollado en Argentina, fue aprobado para cultivo en Estados Unidos por su resistencia a la sequía.
The United States recently authorized the cultivation of Argentina’s genetically modified drought-tolerant wheat, known as HB4. This decision marks a milestone for Argentine biotechnology and represents a significant step toward a more resilient agriculture in the face of climate change.
HB4 wheat is the result of years of research and development led by Dr. Raquel Chan, a scientist from CONICET and the National University of the Littoral. This variety is capable of withstanding drought—an increasingly common challenge in global agriculture. The key to its innovation lies in the transfer of drought-tolerance traits from sunflower to wheat, enabling it to thrive in arid climates and perform better under water scarcity.
The United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reviewed HB4 wheat to ensure it posed no threat to agriculture or the environment. Following extensive analysis, the agency concluded that this wheat presents no greater risk than conventional varieties. In addition, APHIS approved its resistance to the herbicide glufosinate, providing an extra layer of protection for field use. With this approval, the U.S. becomes the fourth country to authorize the cultivation and commercialization of HB4 wheat, joining Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, where it is already grown and sold.
This development is significant not only commercially, but also because of the global influence the United States holds in regulating and approving genetically modified crops. The decision by APHIS validates the safety of HB4 wheat and sets an important precedent for the international acceptance of Argentine biotech products.
The impact of Argentine biotechnology on the global wheat market
The approval of HB4 wheat in the U.S. is a major achievement for Argentina’s biotech industry and a clear example of the country’s capacity to lead in agricultural innovation. This technology has the potential to revolutionize wheat production worldwide, offering a sustainable solution to challenges posed by drought and climate change. As water scarcity becomes a growing concern, this advancement benefits not only farmers but also contributes to global food security.
Beyond improving crop yields, HB4 wheat supports a more sustainable form of agriculture. Its drought tolerance reduces the need for irrigation and lowers the environmental impact associated with overuse of water resources. This feature is especially relevant in regions with limited access to water and where farming is increasingly vulnerable to climate variability.
International outlook for HB4 wheat
HB4 wheat has already been approved for human and animal consumption in several countries, including Australia, Colombia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, and Thailand. Field trials are currently underway in Australia, another major global wheat producer. Applications for approval have also been submitted in Bolivia, the Philippines, Uruguay, and Vietnam, demonstrating growing international interest in this technology.
The U.S. approval is especially meaningful for Argentina’s agribusiness sector, which heavily relies on wheat exports. In recent years, some market actors expressed concerns about the acceptance of GM wheat in key markets. However, with regulatory validation from the U.S. and other countries, these concerns are being dispelled, paving the way for broader global integration of HB4 wheat into the commercial supply chain.
This milestone strengthens Argentina’s position as a leader in agricultural biotech innovation and underscores its potential to continue developing technological solutions that enhance crop productivity and sustainability. As more countries approve HB4 wheat, this technology is poised to play a key role in global agriculture, contributing to improved food security and helping crops adapt to changing climate conditions.
