Debating the Laxity of EU Regulations for Next-Gen Genetically Modified Organisms? | Tech Talks Discussion
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Dive into the heated discussions surrounding the deregulation of new genetically engineered organisms across the European Union with our website, Tech Talks!
Few topics provoke as much controversy and division as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the same sentiments apply to the new generation of genomic techniques (NGTS).
Last time on Tech Talks, we explored NGTS - the modern technologies used to manipulate the genetic makeup of plants by editing their DNA.
As things stand in the European Union, crops generated through NGTS are regulated under the same framework as traditional GMOs. However, this might be set to change.
Interesting Fact🌱: Have you ever wondered how GMOs and their associated controversies started? Find out in our article "What are GMOs and why do they remain so controversial?" on our website! ☕️
In 2023, the European Commission introduced a proposal aiming to loosen restrictions on gene-editing techniques, making it easier to produce and commercialize NGTS-derived crops. Although the plan is still up for debate, it has garnered the support of numerous scientists.
Nonetheless, the proposed deregulation of NGTS has also stirred concerns among other experts and organizations such as Friends of the Earth Europe. To provide a balanced view of the topic, Tech Talks spoke with two experts hailing from opposite sides of the debate: Michael Antoniou, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Toxicology at King's College London, and Nathalie Verbruggen, Professor of Plant Physiology and Molecular Genetics at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.
Is the distinction between two types of new genomic techniques scientifically justified?
Under the EU's new proposal, NGTS are categorized into two categories: NGT 1 and NGT 2. Crops classified as NGT 2 would remain under GMO regulation, while those labeled as NGT 1 would be exempt from rigorous risk assessment and labeling requirements.
Both professors agree that this distinction lacks a strong scientific basis. As Verbruggen noted, "NGT 1 makes no sense to me at all, because when you look at the criteria, it's a free-for-all" (Why does the distinction between NGT 1 and NGT 2 lack scientific grounding?)
Despite their agreement on this point, the experts' viewpoints diverge. Whereas Verbruggen would like to see more plants classified as NGT 1, thereby increasing deregulation, Antoniou worries about the high number of NGT crops that would be relegated to the NGT 1 category.
Related Reading🔍: Discover more about the first European gene-edited wheat field trial in our article, "NGTs: Inside the first European gene-edited wheat field trial" on our website! 🌾
Could deregulation of NGTS help solve climate change and enhance food security?
Antoniou and Verbruggen hold different opinions on the effects of the EU's proposed deregulation on climate change and the broader food system.
Though impressed with the precision and speed of these new tools, Verbruggen advocates for prudence: "We (scientists) don't see it as a risk, but as a missed opportunity" (What impact could deregulation of NGTS have on climate change and our food system?)
On the other hand, Antoniou takes a more skeptical stance, arguing that "[the types of traits we would like our plants to have in the face of climate change...] are what are known as genetically complex traits." He goes on to explain that such complex traits cannot be achieved through a single gene or two.
In his view, the problem lies not in the crops, but in the larger agricultural system itself (Can the deregulation of NGTS truly help us combat climate change and secure our food systems?)
Bonus Information📚: For more insights on NGTS, check out our article, "What are NGTs and why are they sparking so much controversy in the EU?" on our website! 💡
Patenting: A Cause for Concern?
Both Antoniou and Verbruggen share concerns about patenting. They believe that subjecting NGTS-made crops to patenting could negatively affect the EU economic system by limiting farmers' freedom and potentially favoring large biotech companies.
Tips and Tricks💡: Looking to stay informed about the latest on the deregulation of NGTS? Check out our website Tech Talks regularly to keep up with the latest updates and insights! 🔔
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- The European Commission's 2023 proposal aims to loosen restrictions on gene-editing techniques, such as NGTS, making it easier to produce and commercialize NGTS-derived crops.
- The experts interviewed, Michael Antoniou and Nathalie Verbruggen, hold opposing views about the distinction between two categories of NGTS (NGT 1 and NGT 2) proposed by the European Union, with Verbruggen advocating for more plants to be categorized as NGT 1, and Antoniou expressing concerns about the high number of crops that would be relegated to the NGT 1 category.
- The proposal to deregulate NGTS has garnered support from numerous scientists, yet it has also stirred concerns among other experts and organizations like Friends of the Earth Europe.
- Verbruggen, a supporter of the deregulation, views NGTS as a missed opportunity for addressing climate change and enhancing food security, while Antoniou, a critic, argues that the proposed deregulation will not effectively combat climate change due to the complexity of the traits needed in plants.
- Both experts share concerns about patenting, fearing its impact on the EU economic system, as it could limit farmers' freedom and potentially favor large biotech companies.
