About: genetic engineering
UK positions itself as frontrunner in gene editing research
In the hopes of becoming a frontrunner in biotechnology following Brexit, the UK has announced new legislation cutting what it deems as “unnecessary” red tape to encourage gene-editing research.
First gene edited ‘cancer-cutting’ wheat trials get the go ahead in UK
The UK government has granted permission for a series of field trials of gene edited wheat for the first time in Europe, marking a move away from the EU’s stance on the matter.
Commission at odds with Parliament over GM crop authorisations
The EU executive looks set to press ahead with a "new approach" to genetically modified (GM) crop authorisations in the wake of persistent lack of political support for the technology in the European Parliament.
Existing guidance appropriate for gene editing assessment, says EFSA
Genome editing does not pose any additional hazards compared to conventional breeding or other genetic modification methods, meaning that existing guidance is adequate for their assessment, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has concluded.
How much does it cost to ‘sweeten’ a day’s work?
History of agriculture and food has always been the result of constant attempts and innovation, as the impact of beetroot on sugar production and price has shown in the past, three researchers write.
German Green faction pushes for gene editing, overhaul of regulation
In an unprecedented move, a group of German Green MPs, including one Green EU lawmaker, have backed the use of gene editing technologies in a new paper, diverging from the party's general position and saying genetic engineering could play a key role in improving sustainability.
EU study to clarify gene editing court ruling further muddies waters
After the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that organisms obtained by new plant breeding techniques (NBTs) should, in principle, fall under the GMO Directive, the Council of the EU has requested a study from the Commission to clarify the situation. But what this means in practice remains unclear.
Genetic innovation: ‘Nothing that we eat is natural’
The world is in constant need of more food and new genetic engineering methods such as the CRISPR gene editing method offer a solution. However, these remain contested, EURACTIV Germany reports.
Farmers fear ‘political’ court ruling on plant breeding techniques
EU farmers have expressed concerns about an ongoing court case on plant breeding techniques, saying it might end up being a "political" decision that does not take into account scientific and economic arguments.
German farmers divided over EU-Canada trade deal
Despite ongoing protests around Europe, the EU still wants to conclude the CETA agreement with Canada within the next five weeks. The German agricultural sector is divided in its opinion of the deal: large farms relish the advantages and small enterprises fear transatlantic competition. EURACTIV Germany reports.