GMO Green Light

The UK gives way to genetically modified products

Maria Tolmacheva, XX2 century

The British government is going to relax the requirements for genetically modified crops to make it possible to grow them commercially in the UK. Plants with an edited genome will be tested and evaluated in the same way as regular new varieties.

Minister of the Environment Charles George Eustice said that his department will work closely with farmers and environmental groups to help cultivate plants with greater endurance and resistance to climate change.

"Gene editing allows you to use the genetic resources that nature has provided. This is a tool that can help us solve some of the most serious problems we face," he said.

At the end of this year, the relevant legislation will be adopted, eliminating the need for scientists to apply for a license to conduct open trials of such genetically modified crops, which could be obtained by traditional crossing.

Currently, the process of obtaining a permit can take up to two months and cost several thousand pounds. More significant changes will occur next year, when legislation will be developed that allows, in general, to regulate simple (without including the genetic material of unrelated organisms) genetically modified crops in the same way as any new variety for commercial sale. The Government is studying what measures will need to be taken in order not to deprive consumers of the opportunity to choose, for example, labeling and the ability to track genetically modified products.

In the longer term, the Government will review the UK's approach to regulating all genetically modified organisms. The formation of a new approach will have to include changes that will allow the commercial development and breeding of genetically modified animals. Such animals can be more productive and resistant to certain diseases and severe weather conditions.

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