European Scientists question ECJ decision on high-precision genome editing techniques

The European Scientific Community has published an open statement questioning the decision taken by the European Court of Justice exactly one year ago to submit high precision genome editing techniques to the same legislation applied to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). Over 120 research institutions – including ITQB NOVA – support the document, which in Portugal is also supported by over 70 scientists from different research institutions.

The improvement through genome editing continues the path of plant improvement that has so far allowed to feed an ever-growing population. “The challenges that lie ahead, such as climate change and a rising, more affluent world population, require new techniques. Gene editing makes it possible to make small, very precise changes to DNA, preserving the good genes the plant has accumulated over hundreds of generations”, says Margarida Oliveira, vice-dean of ITQB NOVA and head of the GREEN-IT research unit.

The difference in regulatory approach is more than a matter of science. It is also a question of food safety. The European scientific community calls on the European institutions, including the European Council, the new Parliament and the next European Commission, to adopt legal measures enabling scientists and entities developing new plant varieties to use genome editing towards environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture and food production. The ability to use genome editing is crucial for the well-being and food security of citizens and for the adoption of agronomic techniques that have a lower impact on the environment.

Read the position paper published in 2018 following the ECJ ruling.