Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 160-168 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 165 5.2 Global regulatory landscape The regulatory landscape for CRISPR technology in agriculture varies significantly across the globe. In the United States, the regulatory framework is relatively permissive, with the USDA stating that it does not regulate plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques (Nerkar et al., 2022). In contrast, the European Union has taken a more cautious approach, classifying CRISPR-edited organisms as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and subjecting them to stringent regulations (Gupta et al., 2023; Sampath et al., 2023). Countries like China and Brazil are actively investing in CRISPR research and have developed regulatory frameworks that support the use of this technology in agriculture, albeit with varying degrees of oversight (Chen et al., 2019; Zhu et al., 2020). The lack of a unified global regulatory framework poses challenges for the international trade of CRISPR-modified crops, as differing regulations can lead to trade barriers and market access issues (Zaidi et al., 2020; Tang et al., 2023). 5.3 Public perception and acceptance Public perception and acceptance of CRISPR technology in agriculture are critical factors that influence its adoption. While the scientific community largely supports the use of CRISPR for its potential to enhance crop quality and disease resistance, public opinion is more divided (Langner et al., 2018; Veillet et al., 2020; Sampath et al., 2023). Concerns about the safety and ethical implications of gene editing contribute to skepticism and resistance among consumers. Misinformation and lack of understanding about the technology further exacerbate these concerns (Ahmad et al., 2020; Zaidi et al., 2020). Effective communication and public engagement are essential to address these issues and build trust. Transparency in the development and regulation of CRISPR-modified crops, along with clear labeling, can help improve public acceptance (Zhu et al., 2020; Tang et al., 2023). Additionally, involving stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and advocacy groups, in the decision-making process can foster a more inclusive and informed dialogue about the benefits and risks of CRISPR technology in agriculture (Chen et al., 2019; Gupta et al., 2023). 6 Economic Impact 6.1 Potential economic benefits of CRISPR-edited tea The application of CRISPR technology in tea breeding holds significant potential for economic benefits. By enabling precise genetic modifications, CRISPR can enhance tea quality and disease resistance, leading to increased yield and reduced losses due to pathogens. This can result in higher profitability for tea producers and a more stable supply chain. For instance, CRISPR has been shown to improve disease resistance in various crops, which can be directly translated to tea plants, reducing the need for chemical treatments and lowering production costs (Chen et al., 2019; Ahmad et al., 2020; Veillet et al., 2020). Additionally, the ability to develop high-quality tea varieties with desirable traits such as improved flavor and nutritional content can cater to premium markets, further boosting economic returns (Zhu et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2022). 6.2 Market demand and consumer trends The market demand for high-quality, disease-resistant tea is on the rise, driven by consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable products. CRISPR-edited tea can meet these demands by offering enhanced quality and reduced pesticide use, aligning with the growing trend towards organic and environmentally friendly products (Langner et al., 2018; Zaidi et al., 2020). Furthermore, the precision of CRISPR technology allows for the development of tea varieties with specific traits that appeal to niche markets, such as teas with unique flavors or increased health benefits, which can command higher prices and attract discerning consumers (Zhu et al., 2020; Lyzenga et al., 2021). The ability to rapidly respond to market trends by developing new tea varieties can provide a competitive edge to producers and drive market growth. 6.3 Challenges in commercial adoption Despite the promising economic benefits, several challenges must be addressed for the commercial adoption of CRISPR-edited tea. Regulatory hurdles are a significant barrier, as the approval process for genetically edited crops varies widely across different countries and can be time-consuming and costly (Tripathi et al., 2020; Liu et
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