EU eases rules for plants created through gene editing

The European Union has agreed a new set of rules for plants created using genomic technologies, Euronews reports.

The new framework covers key issues such as how such products should be labelled in supermarkets and whether they can be patented.

New genomic technologies, such as gene editing, are breeding techniques that allow small parts of the genetic material of animals, plants or microorganisms (such as yeast or bacteria). They do not require the introduction of foreign genetic material or DNA from another species.

This distinguishes them from older methods used to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which involve inserting foreign genetic material into an organism to create a hybrid.

Supporters of the technology argue that such changes to an organism can occur naturally in nature or during normal breeding.

The new rules exempt many plants created using new genomic technologies (GM) from the bloc’s strict rules on genetically modified (GM) crops and food.

They also allow for the relaxation of requirements for products modified using new genomic technologies. This will allow such products to be sold in supermarkets in the future without special labelling.

Patents have been a major stumbling block in the negotiations, with the European Parliament initially calling for a ban on patents to stop the privatisation of GM crops and protect farmers’ rights to use them freely.

But the deal now agreed allows patents on GM crops, except those that have traits or sequences that occur in nature or are produced by biological means. Under the deal, farmers retain the right to save and replant seeds.

Tags: EU, GM