“Seeing is Believing” Becomes “Eating is Believing” with GM TELA Maize

Dera, Oromia October 18, 2025 — Ethiopia has officially entered a new era in agricultural biotechnology with the successful demonstration and tasting of genetically modified (GM) TELA maize, marking a powerful transition from “Seeing is Believing” to “Eating is Believing.”

The landmark event, held at the TELA maize demonstration site in Dera, Eastern Shewa Zone, brought together over 45 high-level stakeholders, including higher officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ethiopian Society of Biotechnology (ESoB), and members of the National Biosafety Advisory Board.

Since its official release in March 2025, TELA maize—engineered for resistance to fall armyworm and stem borer, and enhanced drought tolerance—has been the focus of extensive outreach and awareness efforts. The TELA Project, hosted by EIAR since 2018, has played a pivotal role in securing regulatory approval and preparing the ground for commercialization.

The event was organized by the BMSS Project, which supports the development and deployment of biotech maize in Ethiopia. In a groundbreaking moment, participants not only observed the field performance of the GM variety MH143B but also tasted it—underscoring growing confidence in the safety and benefits of the technology.

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Nigussie Dechasa, Director General of EIAR, followed by H.E. Melese Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture. Additional keynote remarks came from Firenesh Mekuria, Deputy Director General of EPA; Prof. Kassahun Tesfaye, Director General of BETin; and Ambassador Diriba Kuma, Head of the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority. All speakers reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to science-based innovation that empowers smallholder farmers, enhances productivity, and strengthens food and nutrition security.

The afternoon featured a high-level panel discussion, including:

• Prof. Firew Mekbib on the global landscape of GM maize adoption
• Dr. Tesfaye Disasa on the achievements and commercialization challenges of the TELA Project

Media briefings by EIAR and EPA leaders emphasized transparency and the importance of public engagement in biotechnology adoption.

The event concluded with a visit to BETin’s biotechnology laboratories and a vote of thanks, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration among regulatory bodies, research institutions, and development partners.

Key Outcomes:

• Strong endorsement from MoA leadership, with the State Minister expressing full support for scaling up TELA maize.
• EPA committed to finalizing remaining biosafety guidelines, including provisions for Low-Level Presence (LLP), to facilitate full commercialization.
• A unified call for sustained awareness creation and inclusive stakeholder engagement across Ethiopia.

This milestone event affirms Ethiopia’s case-by-case approach to GM technology adoption and its readiness to embrace innovations that address pressing agricultural challenges. As the country moves forward, TELA maize stands as a symbol of Ethiopia’s resolve to harness science for sustainable development and economic transformation.