Consultation outcome

Genetic technologies regulation: government response explainer

Updated 29 September 2021

The government response to the public consultation on the regulation of genetic technologies sets out how we will clear a path for genetic technologies such as gene editing.

These technologies have great potential and can enable our farmers to grow plants that are stronger, more nutritious, more resilient to climate change and stresses, and less reliant on pesticides or fertilisers. Together with other emerging areas of Agri-innovation, this will help address food security and public health issues, support our commitments in the 25 Year Environment Plan to protect our environment and help meet our ambitions on Net Zero and climate adaptation.

Gene editing and the genetic technologies we are considering do not result in the introduction of DNA from different species but produce targeted changes to the existing DNA that could be made more slowly using traditional breeding methods or occur naturally. After considering the scientific evidence, the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) have advised that an organism produced by gene editing does not pose an increased safety risk compared to current traditional breeding techniques, which would take far longer to introduce the same beneficial changes.

1. The consultation

The public consultation on genetic technologies enabled Defra officials to capture the views of a wide range of individuals and organisations. We received a total of 6,440 responses (including ~3,900 campaign responses) with contributions from individuals, businesses, NGOs, academia, and public sector bodies. Respondents shared a wide variety of views with varying degrees of support for gene editing technologies. We considered all these views in establishing our approach.

2. What we are proposing

The UK is a world leader in genetics and genomics, and we want to foster an environment that encourages innovation in farming at a time when we must address today’s most pressing challenges while taking a proportionate, science-based approach to regulation. We will not compromise on the UK’s high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards.

The consultation enabled Government to capture the views of a wide range of individuals and organisations. We have carefully considered all these views in establishing our approach. That is why we will take a step-by-step approach to their introduction, and we will continue to engage with experts, businesses, NGOs, and the public throughout the process.

1. Our first step will focus on unlocking research in plants to enable scientists to develop our knowledge on gene editing and drive innovation in farming. We intend to use existing powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to lay a Statutory Instrument by the end of this year. This will make research and development easier for plants that have been produced by genetic technologies where the resulting genetic changes could have been developed using traditional breeding methods. Research scientists will continue to be required to notify Defra of these research trials. The commercial cultivation of these plants, and any food products derived from them, will still need to be authorised in accordance with existing GM rules.

2. Our next step will be to review the regulatory definitions of a GMO to exclude certain organisms produced by gene editing and other genetic technologies if they could have been developed by traditional breeding. We will also consider the appropriate measures needed to enable gene edited products to be brought to market including consumer choice and traceability. This will be followed by a review of our approach to GMO regulation more broadly.

This approach is in line with developments internationally and within the EU, where a recent EU Commission review concluded that current regulation of gene edited organisms is not fit for purpose.

3. Our approach as we move forward

Genetic technologies have great potential, and we will continue to work with industry, business, experts, NGOs and the public to continue building the evidence base and to develop our approach for appropriate governance.