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Precision Breeding Act marks a major policy shift for UK agriculture and consumers
Rothamsted Research has welcomed the entry into force today (13th November) of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants in England, describing it as a landmark moment for British science, and calling for this to mark the beginning of a new, pro-innovation agricultural policy agenda for the UK.
Rothamsted Research has pioneered the translation of research using gene editing in crops, carrying out the first field trial of such plants in 2018, with multiple trials since then of wheat, barley and camelina.
“We very much welcome the simplified regulation of gene edited plants, both for research and commercialisation...” said Professor Johnathan Napier, project leader at Rothamsted, “...for too long, regulation has been used as a restrictive tool, so it is genuinely encouraging to see it being used to enable the technological advances that have been generated in the UK’s research base”.
Professor Nigel Halford, senior crop scientist at Rothamsted, said: “This is a hugely important day as we move towards enabling this really powerful technology to be used for the benefit of our farmers and consumers.”
Implementation of the Precision Breeding Act marks an important step in ensuring that farmers, consumers and the environment can benefit from advances in gene editing and other precision breeding techniques. As of today, it is hoped that regulatory applications will come forward which will offer the potential to increase yields, reduce chemical inputs, enhance disease resistance, cut food waste and improve nutritional quality across a range of different crops.
Recognising the importance of this new regulatory landscape, Professor Patrick Bailey, interim CEO of Rothamsted, commented "Innovation has been the beating heart of Rothamsted for over 180 years, and this new legislation will help pump new technologies into the UK’s agricultural research and development sector. We are excited by the opportunities it will bring."
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ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.