The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act and the Future of our Flora and Fauna

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill passed into English law after receiving royal assent on the 23rd of March 2023.  In contrast, the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments decided not to reciprocate this decision. The Act removes the requirement for plants and animals to be classified as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – a far cry away from the preceding strict rules.

Precision breeding relies on various technologies, including Gene Editing, to enhance the growth and cultivation of crops and livestock in the UK. For plants, this may lead to greater resistance to diseases, reducing the need for pesticides. Animals may also be bred with immunities to various diseases. As a result, precision breeding is significantly more efficient, providing a greater level of certainty than traditional breeding and natural processes.

One motive for the new legislation is embracing new biotechnology in an effort to improve the unsatisfactory practice of farming. Alongside the commercial interest, precision breeding has the potential to counter social issues, such as climate change and global food shortages. In light of exponential population growth, the latter is particularly significant.

Despite these benefits, precision breeding remains controversial and may lead to problems. This includes the impact on the trade of goods between countries. Although there are already other countries cultivating genetically engineered crops, such as the US and Canada, national regulations are not necessarily homogenised. On the flip side, encouraging goods to be grown and consumed in one country may reduce exports, thereby decreasing fossil fuel emissions.

Moreover, there are concerns that genetically modified food may not be appropriately labelled, leading to customers being misled. To offset these concerns, The Act only permits genetic changes that could have occurred naturally or through traditional crossbreeding tactics currently in use.

Finally, there are growing concerns regarding animal welfare. The Act does not restrict gene editing to farm animals and the process could be used on domestic animals, including cats and dogs. In particular, breeders may attempt to introduce favourable features to their animals and unintentionally damage their DNA.

Conclusion

In the past, genetically modifying crops was merely a concept of science fiction. Advancements in technology have made it a reality, bringing with it a frenzy of ethical concerns. The passing of the Genetic Technology Bill does not end these debates but marks the beginning of an agricultural revolution. It is imperative that ongoing discussions, and subsequent secondary legislation, attempts to balance competing interests. This article has sought to provide a broad overview of this new prospect in an effort to raise awareness in the public domain.

By Alexander McLean