2nd August 2024
NZPBRA statement on genetic modification and gene editing of crop and forage plants
Plant breeding uses a range of techniques for both expanding and exploiting the genetic potential of plants. Gene editing (GEd) and genetic modification (GM) of crops provides a valuable option for delivering improved environmental and social outcomes by delivering solutions for many of the challenges facing humankind. GEd and GM technologies like many other technologies can have risks, but these can be monitored and quantified, allowing decisions balancing societal, and environmental benefits against measurable risks. For millennia, human beings have improved the genetics of crops and forages, mostly without precision or knowledge of genetic systems, and without the need for legal regulation. Over the last 30 years technology has provided the capability to introduce genes of known effect using genetic methods that are increasingly precise and targeted, yet regulatory systems have slowed their delivery in many territories, including New Zealand. However, balancing the risk and benefit of any new technological advance is important and required. Regulation is motivated to ensure human safety, protection of the environment, avoidance of fraud and mislabelling, and to address public concerns. Ideally the regulatory scheme used is focused on characteristics of the biotechnology product itself rather than on the process used for its development. NZPBRA supports the delivery of important traits in crop and forage plants that will improve social, environmental and economic outcomes for New Zealand through appropriately regulated GEd and GM methods of plant breeding.