Future of Arable: Gene-editing panel

Since the 1990’s gene editing has developed rapidly into a range of techniques being used by researchers, plant and livestock breeders and medical scientists. Gene editing allows breeders to change specific locations in the DNA of cells, so it can create targeted changes and benefits, the UK has called it “Precision Breeding”. The major difference between gene editing and GM is gene editing works with the same gene pool as conventional breeding.

Specific regulations for gene editing in agriculture started in Argentina in 2015, since then several countries have moved forward developing regulations that make working with gene editing practical for both researchers and small and large plant breeders. The UK passed the Genetic Technology (Precision breeding) Act in 2023 and is now working on detailed regulations for England.  

What’s in the R&D pipeline and when could varieties be available for arable producers? What’s the situation for livestock breeding? What’s the situation in the EU and others countries? The panel will address these and other questions.