New Genomic Techniques - What benefits for SMEs in the agri-food sector?

Penta

New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) such as gene editing are promising technologies that can contribute to societal goals of a more sustainable and resilient agriculture and food system. For example, NGTs can be used to develop improved crop varieties that sustainably deliver on yield and are less dependent on chemical inputs.The growth and success of SMEs are depending on transparent, predictable, and risk appropriate regulatory policies. While in the EU NGTs are currently regulated as GMOs, in places with an enabling policy environment for certain NGTs (e.g. the US), SMEs like Covercress are leading R&D efforts to develop and market gene-edited crop varieties. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the EU (SMEs) have been completely excluded from developing such crops as they lack the resources to comply with burdensome regulatory requirements.As a result, startups and SMEs like <a href="https://www.covercress.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Covercress</a> on the other side of the Atlantic are leading current R&D efforts in this field and are developing new and more sustainable crop varieties that promise benefits for farmers, consumers, and the environment. An enabling legislative framework on NGTs at EU level could improve the competitiveness of the EU seed sector and allow SMEs to fully participate in the R&D efforts that will be necessary to contribute to a more sustainable food system.Event host:Ms Marlene Mortler, Member of the European ParliamentSpeakers:- Dr Petra Jorasch, Manager Plant Breeding Innovation Advocacy, Euroseeds- Mr Thomas Weber, Policy Officer, Unit Biotechnology (SANTE.DDG2.E.3), European Commission- Mr Joao Pacheco, Senior Fellow, Farm Europe- Mr Mike DeCamp, CEO, Cover Cress- Prof Justus Wesseler, Professor in Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy, Wageningen University &amp; ResearchModerator:- George Lyon, former Member of the European Parliament and Senior Consultant at Hume Brophy*Zoom login details will be shared closer to the event

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