Module 5: Summary and key messages
Gene editing has the potential to revolutionise sustainable agriculture and address global food security challenges.
Video Briefing session: Key messages
Implementation of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, combined with the UK’s strengths in crop genetics, would provide the UK with a big opportunity to position itself as a global leader in developing gene edited crops.
The UK currently has an advantage over European counterparts in that we have the Precision Breeding Act in place, and we know how to regulate the commercialisation of innovations in this area.
Without swift secondary legislation however, we risk losing momentum and undermining trust from the agri-tech sector. Delays – such as aligning with EU timelines which are terminally slow – would cause us to lose our advantage and send out a very negative message as to the UK’s commitment to innovation in this area, pushing businesses to shift their focus to countries with established frameworks.
Industry, investors and supply chains are now looking to the Government for clear signposts to build confidence in the economic viability of these innovations.
We therefore urge MPs to encourage the secondary legislation to pass through Parliament without delay, to allow the UK to benefit from early adoption of this technology.
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