Proposed Gene Editing Changes in the EU -Dr. Emma Kovak
Nov 4, 2023
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Dr. Emma Kovak, a gene editing expert, discusses the proposed changes in gene editing regulations in the EU. She highlights the economic loss caused by the rejection of technology and the need for regulations that do not differentiate between gene editing and conventional breeding. The chapter also explores the potential risks of early breeding and the importance of safe use from traditional breeding.
New genomic techniques could be exempt from GMO regulations under proposed EU regulations, creating categories based on conventionality of breeding.
Opposition to gene editing and GMOs in the EU hinders agricultural sustainability, environmental stewardship, and access to improved crop varieties.
Deep dives
Current situation of transgenic crop technology in the EU
The EU has had a de facto ban on transgenic crops since the early 2000s, with small areas of transgenic crops in Spain and Portugal. However, the EU still imports transgenic grains for animal feed. New genomic techniques (NGTs) are treated the same as transgenic crops in the EU, but a recent proposal aims to exempt some NGTs from GMO regulations.
Regulation of NGTs in the EU
Under the proposed EU regulations, category one NGTs, which could have been produced through conventional breeding, would be exempt from GMO rules. Category two NGTs would still have some regulations, such as traceability and labeling requirements, while category three NGTs would be treated as transgenic. National opt-outs would be prohibited. However, the proposal is still subject to approval by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers from EU member states.
Effects of opposition to biotech in the EU
Opposition to gene editing and GMOs in the EU has led to a lack of access to improved crop varieties for EU farmers. This hinders the goal of agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. The EU's focus on organic farming, combined with opposition to biotechnology, may contradict its own sustainability goals, as organic farming often has lower yields and requires more land.
Global landscape and implications for the EU
The EU is falling behind as many countries, including Argentina, the US, and Brazil, have passed regulations to exempt some gene edited crops from GMO rules. More countries are considering similar regulations. This could result in an economic cost of three trillion euros over a decade for the EU. The opposition to NGTs in the EU may hinder the potential benefits for farmers, consumers, and environmental sustainability.
Gene editing is a powerful and specific technique that allows customized changes to DNA. Because there are no additional sequences transferred, and alternations match what could happen naturally over time, the technology is considered less invasive and less prone to regulatory oversight. That's true in the USA, Canada, China and other nations. However, the European Court of Justice determined that these techniques should be regulated in a manner identical to transgenics, where the EU has not approved such innovations in over two decades. EU scientists see how the EU is falling behind and after long may never catch up. The rejection of technology leads to a tremendous economic loss. Dr. Emma Kovak of the Breakthrough Institute discusses the current regulations, the proposed changes, and the dynamics of opposition to a good technology that could have profoundly positive impacts for people and the planet.
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