New genomic techniques: Opportunities and challenges for EU agriculture

The European Commission’s recent study on the status of new genomic techniques under EU law was the subject of a webinar attended by FAO Chief Scientist Ismahane Elouafi, along with other scientists and representatives of European Union institutions. The webinar was organized by Farm Europe, a multicultural think tank that aims to stimulate thinking on rural economies in the European Union.

Elouafi pointed out that the science of genome editing is rapidly changing, in large part due to the invention of the CRISPR-Cas9 method in 2012. She explained that genome editing can and has been used to improve plant and animal populations, but that affordability, ease of application and a consistent policy framework lag behind.

“FAO, as a neutral broker, can play a key role by providing robust, science-based evidence, and convening the global community for constructive dialogue and consensus,” the Chief Scientist noted.

Other participants in the session included Irène Tolleret, Member of the European Parliament; Sabine Jülicher, Director for food and feed safety, innovation at the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE); and Tassos Haniotis, Acting Deputy Director-General at the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI).

For the latest news on FAO’s activities in agricultural biotechnology, including genomic techniques, click here.