RELEASE: Breakthrough Institute Applauds USDA Approval of Genetically Engineered Disease-Resistant American Chestnut Tree

Berkeley, CA — August 28, 2026 — Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) deregulated an American Chestnut tree genetically engineered for resistance to the blight that decimated the population of these trees in the early 20th century. The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry first submitted a Petition for Determination of Nonregulated Status in January 2020, submitted a revision in August 2024, and the final public comment period ended in July 2025. APHIS’ decision is a milestone for using genetic engineering to assist with conservation, but broader planting of the tree still remains subject to EPA review.

“The disease resistant American Chestnut is the first genetically engineered organism with the goal of ecological restoration to be deregulated by USDA,” explains Dr. Emma Kovak, Senior Analyst at the Breakthrough Institute. “This decision sets a precedent for other genetically engineered organisms developed for release into the wild rather than agricultural use.”

The chestnut underwent an unusually extensive APHIS review over the course of six and a half years, including a plant pest risk assessment and multiple rounds of public comment. The agency also completed a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the most intensive form of environmental review, though it was ultimately not considered in APHIS’ final determination of nonregulated status due to a revision to NEPA implementing regulations at USDA. 

The Breakthrough Institute welcomes APHIS’ decision. While decades of conventional breeding have resulted in American Chestnut trees with some blight resistance, genetic engineering is an important tool to further enhance resistance. Biotechnology approaches to conservation more broadly have great potential as well, especially for situations in which other existing conservation approaches are inefficient or impossible. For example, gene drives can help eliminate invasive rodents from islands where they threaten seabirds and gene editing can increase coral tolerance to rising ocean temperatures. 

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Media Contact:

Dan Blaustein-Rejto

Director of Food and Agriculture 

daniel@thebreakthrough.org