Switzerland advances to adopt genome editing in agriculture by 2024

The Swiss parliament resolved to loosen regulations on genetic engineering in agriculture on the 14th of March, opening the door for genome-edited crops in the country by 2024.

Last week, the Swiss Parliament ruled that plants having undergone genome editing but do not contain any added transgenic genetic material should no longer be classified as GMOs. The Swiss Federal Council must enact a bill by 2024 that will allow the cultivation of genome-edited plants in Swiss fields.

The decision demonstrates a symbolic shift in Switzerland's attitude toward emerging genetic engineering technologies. The decision conveys an important message after the longstanding prohibition of genetically engineered crops in the country.

Recently, India and the United Kingdom have already made an initial decision to move forward in the same direction. The European Union, lagging behind in regulatory changes on the topic, is also proposing a reform.

To learn more about the recent changes in Switzerland on the topic, read the excellent review below:

Other references:

Swiss parliament eased restrictions on genetic engineering in agriculture:
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-parliament-paves-way-for-genome-editing/47412526

Important change from previous stringent regulations:
https://www.agknowledge.be/blog/switzerland-moving-forward-to-approve-gene-editing-by-2024