Smart Net-Zero

Crop Innovation Denmark (CID) | Source | Report |

CID strategy 2030 sets out a coordinated public–private agenda to strengthen plant breeding as a foundation for climate-resilient and low-emission agriculture. The strategy aims to accelerate genetically based yield gains beyond the current ~1% annual trend by integrating advanced breeding methods with artificial intelligence, while improving crop robustness and quality under increasing climate stress. It identifies climate-driven risks—particularly the northward spread of pests and diseases in Northern Europe—as a key driver for innovation. Priority research areas focus on genome-to-phenotype understanding, including plant biologicals and genotype-by-environment interactions, alongside trait development for nutrient- and water-use efficiency, disease resistance, and lower emissions. A distinctive emphasis is placed on below-ground innovation, such as root system architecture, microbial interactions, and carbon sequestration, as well as quality traits that improve digestibility and reduce antinutritional factors. To enable delivery, CID calls for long-term funding for pre-breeding research and regulatory clarity for CRISPR/Cas technologies, positioning plant breeding as a central climate solution.