Over three days in Nakuru, Nairobi, and Kiambu, partners and funders of the BRAINS project observed how research, markets, and finance are aligning to improve livelihoods, strengthen value chains, and build climate resilience for farmers and enterprises. Impact is often reported in numbers but sometimes it stands beside you, lifts the lid of a new water tank, and says quietly, “This is from beans.”

Sugarcane, a leading source of sugar and bio-energy around the globe stands at the cross-road of genome complexity and agricultural innovation, offering the immense potential to fuel a sustainable future. Functional genomics with its precise identification and manipulation of genes could enable researchers unlock this potential and accelerate the breeding efforts. However, the polyploid genome of sugarcane with: high heterozygosity, high-repetitive DNA content, multiple copies of homo(eo)logous gene, epistatic interaction of alleles, etc.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released a scientific statement confirming that genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape MS11 is as safe for human and animal consumption as its conventional counterparts. Following a review of additional compositional data, the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO Panel) concluded that the crop does not pose any nutritional concerns or environmental risks. This updated assessment clears the way for the variety to be used in the European market, noting that no post-market monitoring for food and feed safety is required.