The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on Wednesday May 25; a first step in the path to removing the unnecessary barriers surrounding research into new gene editing technology.
The Bill is intended to support the development of precision breeding technologies, to enable the growing of more resistant, more nutritious, and more productive crops and animals.
However, at this stage, no changes will be made to the regulation of animals under the genetically modified organism (GMO) regime until a regulatory system is developed to safeguard animal welfare.
Rebecca Veale, the NPA senior policy adviser, said: “This is a very exciting policy development and something the NPA has been calling for, research has been undertaken to look at disease resistance in animals, including PRRS in pigs, but the application of this work was not possible.”
Ms Veale noted the benefits of precision breeding technologies for farmers, in her article on the NPA’s website. She said that precision breeding technologies ‘will give UK scientists the power to help farmers and producers develop plant varieties and animals with beneficial traits, that could also occur through traditional breeding and natural processes, but in a more efficient and precise way’.
If legislated, the Precision Breeding Bill could also bring about much needed investment into agri-food research and innovation in the UK.
But, “there is still a long way to go before we can utilise this on farm, given plants will be first. But, we’re excited about the opportunities gene editing will offer our industry,” Ms Veale added.
Environment secretary George Eustice commented on the Bill: “Outside the EU we are free to follow the science. These precision technologies allow us to speed up the breeding of plants that have natural resistance to diseases and better use of soil nutrients so we can have higher yields with fewer pesticides and fertilisers.”
“The UK has some incredible academic centres of excellence and they are poised to lead the way,” Mr Eustice concluded.
For Rebecca Veale’s full article, please visit: www.npa-uk.org.uk/Exciting_step_forward_for_gene_editing.html.