Top plant breeding techniques for improving food security: an expert Delphi survey of the opportunities and challenges

Feeding the globe's population, projected to exceed nine billion by 2050 is a serious challenge. The application of new breeding techniques (NBTs) offers substantial potential to meet rising global food demand through sustainable intensification of agriculture. Yet, the development of crops derived from these techniques will largely depend on their regulatory approval. Using a Delphi method, we asked an international panel of experts to identify the top biotechnologies for improving global food security. Results clearly indicate that gene editing, led by CRISPR/Cas9 will be key for future crop improvements and production. In light of the debate on the future regulation of NBTs, survey results offer concrete guidance to those in a position to influence the direction of research and development and in particular to regulators.