Legal, Ethical, and Social Issues Remained in CRISPR/Cas Genome Editing Technology

The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology represents a groundbreaking advancement with transformative potential across various sectors, particularly agriculture and food security. This chapter critically examines the legal, ethical, and socio-economic implications of CRISPR/Cas9, focusing on its applications in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and global food systems. It highlights how gene editing can enhance crop resilience, improve nutritional content, and support livestock breeding, offering pathways to address climate change and food insecurity. However, the chapter also explores critical concerns, including intellectual property rights, equitable access for smallholder farmers, ecological risks, and governance challenges. While briefly addressing human health and biomedical applications, the primary emphasis remains on agricultural innovation and socio-economic impacts. Through multidisciplinary lens, the chapter argues for an ethically responsible, inclusive approach to using CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, balancing scientific advancement with sustainability and social justice. It proposes pathways for responsible innovation and international regulatory collaboration to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.