Legislation paving the way for production of gene-edited crops came a step closer at the end of October when the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill passed its ‘third reading’ in the House of Commons, the final stage at which MPs can debate it.
The genetic changes made by precision breeding techniques could also be made through traditional breeding or occur naturally.
MPs, including the Green Party’s Caroline Lucas, generally agreed there were potential benefits to gene editing. But many also wanted to see greater safeguards against what Labour’s shadow Defra minister Daniel Zeichner called ‘unintended consequences, the risk of the technology being misused and of commercial pressure being exerted in ways that might not benefit the wider public.’
He argued for a requirement that an edited organism should meet at least one of a series of listed public benefits before it could be released.
Most of the debate’s focus was on its implications for animal welfare rather than use of the technology in plant breeding. A number of speakers wanted to remove animals from the scope of the Bill, citing potential welfare issues, and some also wanted to see provisions on consumer labelling for products created using the technology.
The British Society of Plant Breeders welcomed the Bill’s progress so far. “Since the European Court of Justice ruling of 2018 that inflicted the same restrictions on [gene editing] as genetically modified organisms we have strived to demonstrate the scientific differences and benefits of using gene editing technology,” said chief executive Sam Brooke.
“After almost five years it is a relief to see Defra’s support for technologies that are so valuable to the sustainability of crop and food production.”
The Soil Association, however, continues to push for the Bill to be withdrawn and reconsidered, while Organic Farmers & Growers says lack of a requirement for labelling or traceability means what it describes as a ‘sub-class of GMO’ will be hidden in the food system. “It fails to safeguard our basic right as citizens to make an informed choice about what we consume,” said OFG chief executive Roger Kerr.
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