England started easing restrictions on genome-editing crops

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England makes a step forward in easing restrictions on genome-edited crops to strengthen its food production system.

The proposed new bill, known as the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, is the first important step made by the British government to move away from the more stringent EU regulations on genetically modified crops. After being approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords on February 1st, this bill is now in the final stage of approval awaiting the Royal Assent.

The bill is expected to be effective by next spring and will set up new regulations for plants, animals, food, and feed items created using precision breeding technologies, replacing the current regulatory regime for GMOs.

The bill comes after the adoption of a Statutory Instrument by the Houses of Parliament on the 14th of March 2022 which allowed England to test new plant varieties made using genome-editing technologies. 

This achievement serves as a driver for the seed industry to expand while supporting plant breeders to develop better crops that depend less on pesticides and provide higher yields. The government also believes that loosening these regulations may help England’s relationships with key trading partners such as the U.S.

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