European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Genome Editing

  • Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom – A Review

    Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom – A Review

    Agricultural biotechnology has become a major global commodity, providing materials for clothing, livestock feed, and fuel for eco-friendly vehicles.

    The authors explain that this growth continues despite a patchwork of inconsistent regulations worldwide, which range from total prohibitions to frameworks that treat biotech products the same as conventional plants. Because of the vast surface area currently under cultivation, the researchers point out that the acceptance and necessity of these crop varieties are no longer in question.

    The recognition of CRISPR/Cas9 technology by the Nobel Prize committee marks a significant step toward the development of new crop varieties. These precise and affordable genome editing techniques are allowing new crops to enter regulatory systems for commercial use.

    The study highlights a shift in the legislative landscape, starting in Argentina, where countries are now evaluating gene-edited products by comparing them to those bred conventionally. The authors argue that agricultural law must be dynamic, adjusting to societal values informed by 25 years of experience with genetically modified (GM) crops. This review serves as a global synthesis of existing legislative frameworks and provides links to original regulatory documents.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.630396

    Reference:

    Turnbull, C., Lillemo, M., & Hvoslef-Eide, T. A. K. (2021). Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom – A Review. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 630396.

  • Genome Edited Crops Touch the Market: A View on the Global Development and Regulatory Environment

    Genome Edited Crops Touch the Market: A View on the Global Development and Regulatory Environment

    The authors explain that genome editing, identified as a promising New Plant Breeding Technology (NPBT), has transitioned rapidly from laboratory research to commercial markets.

    The researchers point out that global activities in this field are expanding, with an increasing number of plants featuring market-oriented traits being developed and the first products already released to the market.

    According to the study, the legislative landscape varies significantly by region, with a few countries—primarily in the Americas—having already adapted their laws or released specific guidelines to support the technology.

    In contrast, other nations are still debating their regulatory paths due to a lack of legal clarity or a renewed debate surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The authors highlight that between 2017 and 2020, eight countries introduced guidelines to clarify the legal status of genome-edited products, with many committed to international policy harmonization.

    Ultimately, this publication provides an overview of the current and potential future international regulatory environment while updating the status of genome-edited plants with market-oriented traits.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.586027

    Reference:

    Menz, J., Modrzejewski, D., Hartung, F., Wilhelm, R., & Sprink, T. (2020). Genome Edited Crops Touch the Market: A View on the Global Development and Regulatory Environment. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 586027.