Regulation of genetic technologies
The OpenPlant Research Centre makes use of genetic technologies for research purposes. Such technologies could be used more widely for improvement of agricultural practice and food production. In certain parts of the world this is already happening, however, it is not allowed everywhere. OpenPlant is involved in the societal discussion around the wider application of genetic technologies.
What is Genome Editing?
While genetic modification (GM) involves introduction of novel stretches of genetic material into an organism, genome editing (GE) can facilitate small changes to the DNA of an organism similar to the changes that can be introduced by traditional breeding. The John Innes Centre explains what CRISPR genome editing is and how it compares to traditional breeding in the following video:
Current regulation of genomic techniques
Growing or rearing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) for food production is tightly regulated all over the world. Despite the major advantages genetic technologies offer, growing/rearing GMOs outside of a contained environment is currently not allowed in most of the EU. (Read more about EU GMO legislation.) Moreover, EU legislation also requires that all genome-edited (GE) organisms are classified as GMOs irrespective of whether they could be produced by traditional breeding methods (EU Court of Justice Ruling Case C-528/16).
The UK’s departure from the EU provides an opportunity to re-evaluate legislation regarding GMOs and GE organisms. Following a public consultation, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is currently considering the possibility of changing legislation for GE organisms produced by genetic technologies that could also have been produced by traditional breeding methods. DEFRA’s view is that these organisms should not be regulated as GMOs. (Read more about DEFRA’s consultation on the regulation of genetic technologies.) Until any decision is made to do things differently, the UK is still following the EU guidance.
use of novel genomic techniques for food production
OpenPlant scientists are involved in discussions regarding regulation of GMOs and GE organisms.
Prof. Wendy Harwood (JIC) recently co-authored a paper in which the legal status of organisms developed through novel genomic techniques was analyzed in detail. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion and concludes that the European Court ruling regarding GE organisms may not be as prescriptive as was initially assumed:
