Biotechnology is an alternate solution for several worldwide issues, such as food availability. SEAMEO BIOTROP has been including biotechnology in its programs, such as in the cultivation of Vannamei Shrimp and Cottonii Seaweed.  SEAMEO BIOTROP used Agrobacterium tumefaciens as an intermediary agent to transform seaweed so that the seaweed can withstand the hyposaline condition. The Tissue Culture Laboratory of SEAMEO BIOTROP has been developing seedlings of high economic value such as teak (Tectona grandis), burn flower (Neolamarckia cadamba), sweet chestnut (Castanopsis argentea), Chinese Albizia (Albizia chinensis), agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis), eucalyptus (Melaleuca sp.); water ornamental plant such as Anubias sp.; tubers such as Satoimo taro; ornamental plants such as Alocasia sp., Calathea sp., Aglaonema sp., and several other local plants.

SEAMEO BIOTROP shares its active role and concerns on food safety by collaboratively organizing a Communication Forum on Risks of GMO Products with IndoBIC (the Indonesian Biotechnology Information Center) and the Research Institute of Universitas Sumatera Utara on 19 January 2022.  This event was held as a risk management study for agricultural biotechnology products in Indonesia.  Outputs of this event will be considered among inputs for stakeholders and policymakers in the field of genetically modified products, especially for food commodities. (sis).