Cambridge scientists lead call to Defra to implement plant and livestock gene editing law

Agri-TechE has called for more investment and “more momentum” in the UK’s agri-food system after Defra minister – Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner – responded positively to an industry call for science-based regulations for gene editing technologies.

The UK is developing its approach to deregulating gene editing in plants following the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. The Act has set up risk assessments relating to precision bred plants and animals, and the marketing of food and feed produced from such plants and animals.

Following the General Election in July, livestock scientist Professor Helen Sang and plant scientist Professor Tina Barsby wrote an open letter to ministers in Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, calling for quick and decisive action in adopting the secondary legislation needed to bring the Act’s provisions into force.

Prof Sang, who holds a degree and PhD in genetics at Cambridge University, set up a research group applying molecular biology in the chicken at the Poultry Research Centre (now the Roslin Institute). Prof Barsby is a former CEO of NIAB and honorary professor of agricultural botany at Cambridge Global Food Security.

Signed by more than 50 leading figures across the scientific and agri-food sectors, including seven heads of UK research institutes and 10 fellows of the Royal Society, the open letter emphasises that ensuring scientists have access to the best available technologies is critical to building greater food system resilience, developing more sustainable farming systems, and boosting prospects for economic growth.

The petitioners say: “Without these detailed implementing rules, which have already been drafted and were notified by Defra to the World Trade Organisation in April this year, the Precision Breeding Act serves no functional purpose, and technologies such as gene editing will continue to be regulated under more restrictive GMO regulations.”

The open letter states: “The scientific evidence is overwhelming that the products of these technologies pose no greater risks than their conventionally bred counterparts, and yet they can greatly accelerate the development of more climate resilient, higher-yielding crops requiring fewer pesticide and fertiliser inputs, and with improved quality and nutrition.”

In his response, Mr Zeichner thanked the signatories, and said that “innovation is key in supporting our efforts to strengthen food security, enhance resilience and improve agricultural sustainability”.

He added: “We are now considering how to take forward the regulatory framework outlined in the Act and will share our plans with key interested parties soon.”

Prof Barsby described the minister’s response as encouraging, and reiterated the early need for clarity on the government’s plans among researchers, innovators and prospective investors in the UK.

She added: “Around the world, countries are moving rapidly to adopt more science-based regulations for gene editing technologies.

“With our world-leading science base in genetic research, we cannot afford to be left behind in enabling British science to fulfil its promise of fighting climate change, contributing to food security and delivering nature recovery.”

Professor Sang, whose pioneering research at The Roslin Institute used gene editing to develop bird flu resistance in chicken, said: “Recent global developments in relation to the spread of livestock disease highlight the need to act sooner rather than later.”

A spokesperson for Agri-TechE said: “As one of the industry representatives who also put our name to the letter to ministers, this response is welcome, but we need government to maintain momentum. For too long, innovative technologies that can benefit the agri-food system have become stuck in a regulatory quagmire – the door is always open for regulators to come and talk to industry and academic scientists to help inform policy-making.

“We are hopeful this will also help give confidence to unlock more private investment into the UK which is leading the march as compared with the rest of Europe.”