According to Euroseeds, recent months have brought major advancements in global gene-editing regulations. Here’s a top 5 roundup of key developments shaping the future of plant breeding!
EU Advances with NGT Proposal
In February 2024, the European Parliament voted in favor of the European Commission’s proposal on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). This marks a significant step toward modernizing the EU’s regulatory framework for agricultural biotechnology. The decision reflects growing recognition of NGTs’ potential to address pressing challenges such as food security, sustainability, and climate change.
Ghana Joins the Forefront of Gene-Editing Regulations
Ghana recently established itself as a leader in Africa by introducing regulatory guidelines for genome editing. In November 2023, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) published detailed guidelines, making Ghana the fourth African nation—after Nigeria, Kenya, and Malawi—to implement such measures. This development demonstrates the country’s commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring biosafety.
Thailand Facilitates Agricultural Innovation
In July 2024, Thailand’s Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives signed a groundbreaking regulation titled “Certification of Organisms Developed from Genome Editing Technology for Agricultural Use, B.E. 2567 (2024).” This regulation supports the country’s initiative to boost farmers’ incomes over the next four years by enabling the safe development and commercialization of genome-edited plants, animals, and microorganisms.
New Zealand Begins Regulatory Planning
In August 2024, New Zealand announced its intent to streamline gene-editing technology development and commercialization. The proposed legislation aims to exempt low-risk gene-editing techniques—those producing changes indistinguishable from conventional breeding—from regulation. The government plans to pass the law and operationalize the regulatory framework by the end of 2025, signaling a shift toward more science-based policies.
Global Adoption Accelerates
Globally, the acceptance of plant gene-editing technologies continues to grow. By the end of 2024, nearly 300 regulatory decisions had been made to classify gene-edited plants as equivalent to conventionally bred ones. Leading this movement are the United States and Argentina, showcasing the broadening global consensus on the role of New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) in tackling critical agricultural and environmental challenges.
These developments underline a transformative era for biotechnology, paving the way for more sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural systems according to Euroseeds.
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