Gene editing: cheaper, more nutritious, less perishable food

• Longer shelf life could help reduce household food waste, which averages $1,300 per year.

Montreal, May 14, 2026 – Technological advances in the agri-food sector, such as gene editing, could help households save on grocery bills and farmers reduce costs for inputs such as pesticides, according to an MEI Viewpoint published this morning.

Gene editing is a targeted approach that precisely enhances or diminishes an existing gene within a species. It differs from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which involve introducing one or more new genes from another species.

Cheaper and more nutritious foods

“Gene editing makes it possible to isolate the component of a plant that produces proteins, vitamins, or any micronutrient,” explains Stuart J. Smyth, senior fellow at the MEI and professor at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. “This makes it possible to grow more nutritious foods, with potential benefits for children’s development and overall public health.”

For example, the lycopene content of tomatoes—an antioxidant known to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease—could be increased tenfold.

By extending food shelf life, gene editing can also reduce food waste for Canadian households, currently estimated at $1,300 per year, on average.

Less food waste and fewer losses for farmers

Gene editing also allows farmers to significantly reduce their losses. Crop damage can be extensive and, under unfavorable conditions, can lead to the loss of an entire harvest, causing shortages and sharp price fluctuations.

The purchase of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides will cost Canadian farmers around $22.5 billion this year. Gene editing could help reduce the need for such products by strengthening crops’ natural resistance to weeds, insects, and diseases.

“By improving yields, reducing losses, and increasing the nutritional value of food, gene editing helps prevent food insecurity and reduces financial risks for our farmers,” adds Professor Smyth.

Regulation must not hinder innovation

For these innovations to benefit farmers and consumers, Canadian regulatory bodies must resist the temptation to overregulate upstream.

“If the federal government regulates too much, too quickly, we risk missing out on the latest innovations,” says Professor Smyth. “We hope it will resist this temptation and allow the agri-food sector to innovate in order to better meet Canadians’ needs and improve food affordability.”

You can consult the MEI Viewpoint by clicking here.

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The MEI is an independent public policy think tank with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary. Through its publications, media appearances, and advisory services to policymakers, the MEI stimulates public policy debate and reforms based on sound economics and entrepreneurship.

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