Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the proposed dynamic alignment with the EU will prevent the adoption of gene-edited crops under the provisions of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.

Defra remains committed to implementing the Precision Breeding Act and enabling the safe development of innovative genetic technologies

Under the UK-EU Common Understanding, it is recognised that there will be areas where the UK will retain its own rules. The detail of those areas is now part of ongoing negotiations. Throughout this process, Defra has been clear on the importance of maintaining the UK’s ability to regulate precision breeding in a way that supports innovation, gives farmers access to new tools, and upholds high standards of safety.