Gene editing allows the genetic material of plants to be modified precisely and selectively – faster and more gently than with traditional breeding methods. Individual DNA building blocks can be selectively switched off or modified. This means that existing varieties can also be modified to make them more resistant to drought, disease or pests. A report in the Handelszeitung answers five questions about CRISPR.

Political deadlock despite scientific clarity

The advantages have been proven in research for years: genome-edited plants pose no greater risk than conventionally bred plants. Countries such as the USA, Argentina and the UK already regulate processes without transgenic genetic material on a product-by-product basis and allow them to be cultivated without additional hurdles. In Switzerland, however, all new processes – whether with or without foreign genetic material – fall under the Gene Technology Act and are therefore subject to the gene technology moratorium.

Examples from research show what could be possible: wheat with permanent resistance to powdery mildew, potatoes with built-in protection against late blight, or vines that require less plant protection. All this could be developed using CRISPR from existing, popular varieties without losing their typical characteristics.

The industry is ready – but is the political will there?

The world's population is growing, resource consumption is rising and climate change is putting farmers under increasing pressure. According to the Handelszeitung newspaper, around 75 per cent of the soil in Switzerland is already in poor condition. Heat, drought and new pests are presenting producers with ever greater challenges.

Breeding robust varieties is therefore becoming a matter of survival – not only globally, but also here at home. In the USA, Brazil and Argentina, the industry has long been working flat out on CRISPR-based innovations. Syngenta, for example, operates a research centre in Illinois (USA) that is entirely dedicated to developing new varieties, using virtual and augmented reality, among other things. Switzerland, however, is stuck in a regulatory dead end.

Faster breeding, more targeted protection

Apple breeding provides a concrete example of how CRISPR can help: diseases such as fire blight, apple scab and mildew threaten harvests and force farmers to use pesticides. CRISPR could be used to develop more resistant varieties more quickly – without years of cross-breeding programmes and with less use of pesticides. In an article in the BauernZeitung newspaper, Swiss breeder Beat Lehner emphasises: ‘Today's genetic engineering is no longer the same as it was 30 years ago.’ He adds: ‘Traditional breeding is always needed to create a new variety.’ Gene editing is a supplement, not a replacement.

Renowned agricultural scientist Urs Niggli also sees enormous potential. In his opinion piece in the NZZ, he writes: ‘Gene scissors are also revolutionising biological plant protection.’ By improving the resistance of plants, CRISPR-Cas9 can contribute to more sustainable farming methods.

Time to act – also for plant protection

Numerous CRISPR products are already on the market worldwide. They show that the technology not only has theoretical potential, but also offers real solutions.

CRISPR is not a magic bullet. But it is an important tool for making agriculture more sustainable, resource-efficient and resilient. It reduces the use of plant protection products in both organic and conventional farming, promotes biodiversity and improves security of supply.

Switzerland now faces a decision: either it creates a practical regulatory framework or it falls behind. The gene scissors are ready. Now it's up to the politicians.