The conflict in the Middle East has been dominating our news feeds for two months, but the full impact of global energy shortages is only beginning. Every international and most domestic supply chains are affected by higher energy and other input costs, as well as logistical challenges.
AbacusBio International Managing Director Tim Byrne says that right now the fallout makes life more expensive and inconvenient.
“The energy crisis is highlighting our extended food supply chains and the ongoing challenge of food security across many parts of the world.”
Communities need a level of food self-sufficiency to provide at least some resilience. Locally-grown food can make sense, with its shorter supply chains and fewer moving parts. But food self-sufficiency needs a lead-in time. It requires a mature production system that is well supported by other sectors and has access to critical inputs.
Tim says one critical input that needs a higher profile is the significant role that genetically-improved animals and plant varieties can play in offsetting threats to food security.
“This requires a focus on what is important for the future, rather than the now.”
Food systems have traditionally had years – decades, sometimes centuries – to adapt to gradual trends, such as weather patterns, labour availability or prevalence of pests. Now food systems are hit by shocks – climate, geopolitical conflict, biosecurity threats and supply chain fragility – and sometimes systems can experience more than one shock at a time.
“In 2026, we have the tools to drive genetic progress. Genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, and predictive modelling are all proven technologies that are readily available. Precision breeding offers the potential to shave years off the time taken to produce improved animals or plant varieties suitable for burgeoning challenges. All can help buffer the world population from future global shocks.”
Harnessing genetic improvement is a foolproof investment in the future. Genetic gains are permanent and cumulative. With newfound speed, and consideration given to genetic diversity and how animals and plants need to perform in the future, genetic improvement can support long-term resilience and risk management.
Food security is not just about what we grow today. It’s also about the genetics we choose to safeguard our tomorrow.
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