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U.K. rules on gene editing are expected to be less strict than those for transgenic crops like this iron-rich wheat the John Innes Center is testing. JOHN INNES CENTRE/FLICKR
U.K. set to loosen rules for gene-edited crops and animals
May. 26, 2021 , 2:30 PM
When Boris Johnson became prime minister of the United Kingdom in 2019, he pledged to “liberate the U.K.’s extraordinary bioscience sector from anti–genetic modification rules.” The country had to hew to strict European biotech regulations until it finalized its divorce from the European Union in January. Next month, the government is widely expected to follow through on Johnson’s promise by making it easier to test and commercialize some genetically engineered crops and livestock.
It’s not unusual for me to find myself in two minds at this time of year – and I often find myself torn, especially when it comes to the weather. For a while in the arable sector there have been ‘noises of’ looking for a bit of rain and I’d have to admit that some of the crops were definitely looking like they could do with a we drink and something to wash in the top-dressing –although Monday’s deluge wasn’t really called for. Especially so when the other part of my split personality was hoping the rain would stay off for a whiley yet – at least until the hill lambing was over, as dry weather at this time of year plays a big part in securing a decent lamb crop when you’re doing the job outside on rough hill ground.
EU confirms sustainability benefits of gene editing
3 May 2021 |
The study found NGTs capable of making crops more disease resistant and able to withstand climate change
New genomic techniques (NGTs) can contribute to sustainable food systems with crops more resistant to diseases and climate change, a long-awaited EU study concludes.
The European Commission said the techniques - which alter the genome of plants and animals - also had the potential to make farming more climate-friendly.
At the same time, the study found that the current bloc s GMO legislation, adopted in 2001, is not fit for purpose for these innovative technologies .
The Commission will now start a consultation process to discuss the design of a new legal framework for the biotechnologies.