KWS and Shunfeng Bio sign global licensing deal for gene editing in plant breeding

KWS has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology Company (Shunfeng Bio) to use gene editing technology in plant breeding, marking a significant step in the deployment of new breeding methods across Europe and beyond.

The deal grants KWS global rights to Shunfeng Bio’s independently developed CRISPR-based enzymes, Cas-SF01 and Cas-SF02, for all crop types. The technologies have already been validated by more than 70 laboratories and enterprises worldwide, according to the companies. This is the first time Shunfeng Bio has licensed its proprietary platform globally, positioning the Chinese company to expand its footprint in international agriculture.

European context

The partnership comes as Europe signals a potential policy shift on plant biotechnology. Long known for restrictive GMO rules, the EU has begun to take a more favorable view of advanced breeding techniques such as genome editing, particularly in light of climate change and food security pressures. A regulatory adjustment could provide stronger institutional support for European seed firms, creating more favorable conditions for collaborations like the KWS–Shunfeng Bio agreement.

Technology and strategy

Shunfeng Bio has invested heavily in developing its own gene editing enzymes, an area often dominated by U.S. and European patents. The company says its CRISPR Cas-SF01 and Cas-SF02 represent a breakthrough in plant biotechnology, offering new tools to accelerate crop improvement.

“This collaboration with KWS is a landmark achievement,” said Dr. Guofu Li, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Technology at Shunfeng Bio. “The agreement covers global licensing for all crop types, reflecting international recognition of our technologies and laying a solid foundation for global market expansion.”

For KWS, one of the world’s leading plant breeders, the agreement is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its innovation platform. “This is the right time to accelerate our innovation platform for applying new breeding methods,” said Dr. Thomas Ehrhardt, Head of Global Research & Services at KWS. “Once the European market adopts more favorable regulation, we want to be ready to move projects from research to market maturity quickly.”

Global collaboration model

The two companies emphasize that the deal represents a new model of international cooperation, combining Shunfeng Bio’s technological portfolio with KWS’s market reach and breeding expertise. Together, they aim to commercialize innovative crop varieties that can deliver higher yields, greater resilience, and improved nutritional qualities.

The move reflects broader trends in agribusiness, where seed firms are racing to integrate gene editing into commercial breeding pipelines. If European regulators loosen restrictions, companies with access to proprietary technologies such as Cas-SF01 and Cas-SF02 could gain a significant competitive edge.