Until now, plants bred using new breeding technologies (genome editing) were subject to the same regulations as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the EU. They have been largely prohibited since a fundamental decision by the European Court of Justice in 2018, with a few exceptions. However, according to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," this is expected to change. A draft law reveals that the European Commission intends to apply the same authorization procedures for genome-edited plants as for conventional breeding methods. The gene-editing tool CRISPR/Cas accelerates the breeding of new plant varieties, although similar results can be achieved through classical breeding. However, the latter takes significantly longer. Therefore, the EU aims to no longer distinguish between conventional breeding methods and genome editing.

"Revving up the turbo"

The gene-editing tool CRISPR/Cas enables the acceleration of breeding more robust and climate-adapted plant varieties. These plants can better withstand stress factors such as heat and drought. It can also improve the storability of crops. Matthias Berninger from Bayer emphasized the urgent need for accelerated breeding of new varieties, stating, "We need to rev up the turbo if we want to keep up with the rapid pace of climate change." He further questioned, "Who will take responsibility for the risks to food security if we leave the potential of this new technology untapped?"

Switzerland risks falling behind

Switzerland should also rev up the turbo. The Federal Council is tasked with presenting a draft law by mid-2024 to regulate genetically edited plants. In Switzerland, plants bred using new breeding technologies are still subject to the GMO moratorium that has been in place since 2005. The Federal Council now has the opportunity to regulate plants that do not differ from conventional breeding methods and do not contain foreign genetic material based on risk assessment, freeing them from the moratorium. If Switzerland maintains the status quo, it risks being left behind by the EU and the rest of the world. This would have devastating consequences for Swiss agriculture as well as the country's research position.