New legislation to be introduced today will speed up 'gene edited' crops
The government is to introduce it in a new bill today in a bid to improve food security
Last updated 25th May 2022
New legislation is being launched today to speed up the development and marketing of "gene-edited" crops.
The government will introduce the legislation in a new Bill today.
What is crop gene editing?
Gene editing makes changes to the traits within a plant or animal species quicker and more precisely than traditional selective breeding which has been used for centuries to create stronger and healthier crops and livestock.
The Government said gene editing could help improve food security by producing:
- Crops that are more nutritious.
- Climate resilient crops.
- Crops that grow with less need for pesticides and fertilisers that damage wildlife.
- Livestock that is resistant to disease or needs fewer antibiotics.
It could pave the way for:
- Roll-out of tomato plants that are fortified with vitamin D or mildew-resistant to cut fungicide use.
- Developing wheat that can cope with higher temperatures.
- Breeding chickens that are resistant to bird flu.
Difference between gene editing and modification
Officials and scientists draw a distinction between gene editing and genetic modification.
Gene editing (GE) involves the manipulation of genes within a single species or genus, and genetic modification (GM) is a process where DNA from one species is introduced to a different one.
But following an EU ruling in 2018, gene editing is regulated in the same stringent way as GM organisms, a situation which the Government is now unpicking as the UK has left the bloc.
Genetic Technology Bill ‘new category’
The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill will create a new category for gene edited organisms to regulate them separately from genetically modified (GM) organisms.
It will introduce new notification systems for research and marketing, and make sure information collected on precision-bred organisms is published on a public register.
The new legislation aims to speed up the development and commercialisation of crops and livestock bred with genetic editing, although the Government says it is taking a step-by-step approach by creating rules for plants first.
‘No changes made to animal regulations’
No changes will be made to the regulation of animals under the GM regime until measures are developed to safeguard animal welfare, the Environment Department (Defra) said.
It will also allow the import of GE foods from other countries if they meet the same regulations.
Gene editing rules in England
The rule changes apply to England, so GE foods can be developed and produced by English scientists and farmers, but could also be sold in Scotland and Wales.
The Government has already allowed field trials in England of gene edited crops without having to go through a licensing process costing researchers £5,000 to £10,000.
Although, scientists have to inform Defra of their tests.
‘Speeding up the breeding of plants’
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "Outside the EU we are free to follow the science.
"These precision technologies allow us to speed up the breeding of plants that have natural resistance to diseases and better use of soil nutrients so we can have higher yields with fewer pesticides and fertilisers.
"The UK has some incredible academic centres of excellence and they are poised to lead the way."
‘Exciting era of plant breeding’
Dr Penny Hundleby, senior scientist at the John Innes Centre, said: "If we are to meet the ambitious targets of addressing the demands of a growing population without further adding to the cost of living, and while also reducing the environmental impact of agriculture, we need to embrace all safe technologies that help us reach these goals.
"Gene editing and genome sequencing are great UK strengths and through the new Genetic Technology Bill they will move us into an exciting era of affordable, intelligent and precision-based plant breeding."
‘Prioritising technologies rather than real issues’
But the Soil Association's policy director Jo Lewis said: "We are deeply disappointed to see the government prioritising unpopular technologies rather than focusing on the real issues - unhealthy diets, a lack of crop diversity, farm animal overcrowding and the steep decline in beneficial insects who can eat pests.
"Instead of trying to change the DNA of highly stressed animals and monoculture crops to make them temporarily immune to disease, we should be investing in solutions that deal with the cause of disease and pests in the first place."
She said agroecological farming and a shift to healthy and sustainable diets was the most evidence-based solution for climate, nature and health.
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