What was the first genetically engineered crop to be commercialized?

The FlavRSavr Tomato was indeed the first genetically engineered crop to be commercialized. Developed in the early 1990s, it was designed to have a longer shelf life by suppressing the gene responsible for softening during ripening. This innovation aimed to reduce spoilage and enhance the marketing potential of tomatoes, which are highly perishable.

The introduction of the FlavRSavr Tomato marked a significant milestone in agricultural biotechnology. It garnered attention not only for its practical benefits but also for its implications regarding food safety, regulation, and consumer acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

In contrast, while crops like Bt Corn and Roundup Ready Soybean have been widely adopted and are critical in modern agriculture, they were introduced after the FlavRSavr Tomato. Similarly, Golden Rice, known for its nutritional enhancements, was still in development stages when the FlavRSavr Tomato hit the market. Therefore, the FlavRSavr Tomato serves as an important reference point in the history of genetically engineered crops as the first to navigate the complexities of commercialization.