Future-Proofing EU Legislation for Genome-Edited Plants: Dutch Stakeholders' Views on Possible Ways Forward

Genome editing is an emerging, new breeding technology with numerous potential applications in plant breeding. In Europe, genome editing is regarded, in legal terms, as a genetic modification technique, hence plants obtained using these methods fall under the legislation for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Despite the opportunities that genome editing brings to the plant sector, it also poses challenges to the regulatory system. For example, the enforcement of labelling and traceability requirements for GM foods and feeds may be impossible for small genome edits that are indistinguishable from natural mutations. In order to discuss potential adaptations of EU legislation with stakeholders from the Dutch plant breeding sector, five different scenarios of future regulation of plants obtained by means of genome editing were elaborated. These scenarios were discussed in depth, along with the potential applications of genome editing in plant breeding, as well as challenges and opportunities. Stakeholders particularly indicated their preference for new, future-proof legislation in the long term, which will also include products of novel technologies. Finally, we discuss potential short-term amendments to current legislation, including the exemption of certain small mutations, that would make it align with regulation of genome edited plants in non-EU countries.

Automated summary

Genome editing is considered a genetic modification technique in Europe, subjecting plants obtained by this method to GMO legislation. Stakeholders in the Dutch plant breeding sector prefer future-proof legislation that also encompasses products of novel technologies. Discussions focus on potential adaptations to current legislation to align with regulation of genome edited plants in non-EU countries.