March Conversations on RNAi Innovation
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
March, and spring in general, has always felt like an important season in agriculture. It’s when farmers start planning and planting for the year ahead, making choices that quietly shape the fields months down the line.
Growing up on a farm, I remember how spring carried both urgency and hope: long days of preparation, the steady rhythm of fieldwork, and the shared belief that today’s effort would lead to a meaningful harvest. That mindset has stayed with me.
Even though my work now focuses on science, technology, and product development, spring still reminds me that agriculture is really about renewal, resilience, and having the courage to invest in a better future.
With that in mind, I’m looking forward to two important events in Shanghai in the next two weeks. Both will focus on the fast-changing world of biological ag-inputs and, of course, include RNA-based products.
BioEx 2026: A Deep Dive into RNAi Commercialization
March 12–13 | Shanghai
At the 7th Biopesticides, Biostimulants & Biofertilizers Summit (BioEx 2026), there will be a dedicated RNAi focus for the first time. This is a clear sign of how quickly the field is gaining momentum worldwide. Proud to say that GreenLight Biosciences has achieved a few "firsts" on the list published by Agricultural News on AgroPages: 5 Firsts in 3 Years: RNAi Biopesticides Are No Longer A Promise-Agricultural News.
I’ll be speaking on March 12 in the session “Lab-to-Market: Accelerating Commercialization,” followed by a panel discussion with leaders from regulatory, academic, and product discovery and development backgrounds. The session will examine the practical steps, challenges, and opportunities involved in moving RNAi products from research to large-scale use. Topics will include product design, formulation, delivery, field performance, regulatory alignment, and global supply chain readiness.
Drawing on GreenLight Biosciences’ experience in developing RNA-based biopesticides, I will highlight representative applications for controlling insect pests, fungal pathogens, and weeds. Using the company’s first RNA-based fungicide for powdery mildew control as a case study, I will illustrate the molecular mechanism of RNAi and demonstrate performance in the field.
The presentation will also address regulatory considerations, commercialization strategies, and the expanding market opportunity for RNA-based biopesticides. By integrating scientific foundations with practical development and deployment experience, this presentation will provide a roadmap for advancing precise, effective, and environmentally responsible crop protection solutions, offering valuable insights for researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers seeking to implement RNAi technologies at scale.
CAC2026: A Global Gathering of the Ag-Input Industry
March 17–19 | Shanghai
I’ll also take part in the 26th China International Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibition (CAC2026), which is one of the largest global events in the ag-input sector.
Each year, more than 100,000 professionals come together to explore developments in crop protection, biologicals, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, greenhouse technologies, and smart agricultural equipment.
I’ll also be speaking at the 14th International Forum on Biopesticide and Biocontrol Technology Development on March 18. There, I’ll share our vision, programs, and product innovations to support sustainable agriculture and my thoughts on the global outlook for RNA-based biologicals and what is driving their commercialization.
A Personal Reflection
As I get ready for these events, I’m reminded by how quickly this field is growing and how much we are still learning together.
RNAi is still fairly new in agriculture, but today’s conversations feel different from those they did just a few years ago (I attended BioEX5 in 2024). Now, the focus is more on real-world results, regulations, scalability, and value for growers.
For me, it’s a privilege to be part of these conversations and to see RNAi move from scientific promise to real-world use. I’m very grateful to the colleagues, partners, and teams who make this work possible at GreenLight Biosciences.
Being part of this journey at GreenLight Biosciences has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. I’m excited to see what we will build together next.
If you plan to attend either event, please feel free to reach out!
Comments