Gene technology essential for sustainable agriculture

European scientists are once again making an urgent appeal to the newly elected European Parliament and the European Commission to admit Crispr-Cas. The breeding technique, which is now seen as genetic modification (GMO) and is therefore prohibited, is essential for making agriculture more sustainable.

Exactly a year ago judged the European Court of Justice that the use of Crispr-Cas in plants falls under GMO legislation. In a open letter European scientists now say that this decision is 'very undesirable'. “The result of this technique is indistinguishable from traditional plant breeding,” say Utrecht scientists who co-signed the letter.

Crispr-Cas makes it possible to change genetic material of viruses, bacteria, cells, plants and animals in a relatively simple way, accurately and efficiently. In the letter, the European scientists emphasize the importance of the technology for food safety and security.

Just as safe
The fact that Crispr-Cas (a form of genome editing) has been subject to GMO legislation since last year came as a great surprise and disappointment to European scientists. "There are no scientific reasons to consider these crops different from conventionally bred varieties with similar changes," the letter said. 'These plants are just as safe as plants that have been developed using conventional breeding techniques.'

The economic consequences of the EU decision are also mentioned. These can be significant, especially for a country like the Netherlands that is an important global player in plant breeding. Dutch breeders account for 40% of horticultural seed sales worldwide. According to the scientists at Utrecht University, this prominent position is in danger of being lost. “While the rest of the world is embracing this technology, the faster and more focused development of better crop varieties in Europe is lagging far behind.”

Safety sufficiently regulated
In the letter, the scientists state that the safety of genome-edited crops is adequately regulated, even if they do not fall under GMO legislation. For example, they point to the general legislation on food safety for foodstuffs that are placed on the European market. And also environmental legislation, which holds market parties liable if they introduce crops that damage biodiversity and protected living environments.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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