Following the introduction to Parliament of the secondary legislation needed to implement the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants in England, the All-Party Group hosted a briefing session for MPs, Peers and core stakeholders focused on ‘Implementing the Precision Breeding Act’ to explain what the secondary legislation involves, why it is important, and the potential benefits on offer.

Showcasing a number of commercially-focused case studies of innovative products and technologies coming forward to reduce farming’s climate and environmental impact, including the methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer, green fertilisers, precision livestock farming equipment and novel feed ingredients.

The APPG on Science and Technology in Agriculture welcomed a high-level agriculture delegation from the United States to present and discuss the US policy approach to delivering ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’.

Inaugural meeting confirmed George Freeman MP elected as chair, with Charlie Dewhirst MP, Lord Grantchester and Professor Lord Trees elected as vice-chairs.

Showcasing the role of science and innovation in the UK poultry meat industry in advancing animal welfare, sustainability and business productivity.

US biotech company Simplot Plant Sciences, part of US food group The J.R Simplot Company, presented and discussed their plans to bring longer-fruiting gene edited strawberries and higher yielding salad potatoes to the market in England following the introduction of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act last year.

Meeting focused on opportunities to harness the potential of farm-level data in driving improvements in sustainable, efficient food production, and including the launch of a new certification scheme aimed at giving farmers the confidence to share their data.

Launch of a new policy briefing on GM crops from The Royal Society.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently confirmed that the products of gene editing technologies will be treated in the same way as conventionally bred. As more detailed plans are developed to implement the provisions set out in the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act in England, particularly in relation to food and feed marketing, the meeting provided a timely opportunity to hear from regulators and practitioners in Canada, to understand the scientific basis for their approach, what it will mean for investment and innovation in Canada’s plant breeding sector, and to discuss their handling of issues such as transparency, consumer choice, and coexistence of supply chains.

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