Precision Breeding for plants signed into law

Following the successful passing through both Houses of Parliament, this week the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2023 has been passed into law by Minister of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Daniel Zeichner MP.

In response, Professor Neil Hall, Director of the Earlham Institute said: 

“Given the pressures on global food security, driven by climate change, the growing population and new diseases, it’s important that we harness all of the technical innovations at our disposal to ensure the sustainability of our agricultural systems.  

 “Over the past three years, including these last few months, Parliament has demonstrated important and legitimate leadership by passing the primary and secondary legislation to enable precision breeding in plants. It’s time to enable science research to help farmers adapt to our changing world.” 

In early 2025 secondary legislation was laid before Parliament to implement the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. The new regulations offer an important step towards the innovation and commercial availability of precision-bred plants.

The Earlham Institute has worked with colleagues across the Norwich Research Park and the wider sector to engage policymakers across all levels of government and political affiliations and support the primary and secondary legislation through Parliament.