England has been a leader in precision breeding in agriculture, especially with the passing of the Precision Breeding Act. However, recent developments raise concerns that the country may be falling behind Europe. Global agribusiness Syngenta announced it will close its UK-based wheat breeding programme. This decision could hinder home-grown wheat production, as the focus shifts to the continent. UK plant breeders warn that post-Brexit regulations, such as added costs and delays, threaten investment in domestic innovation.
At a recent Cereals event in Lincolnshire, farmers expressed worry over Syngenta’s decision. The company’s wheat breeding programme, one of the largest in the UK, has been running for over 35 years. Now, varieties will no longer be tailored to Britain’s unique climate. This is problematic, especially as reports indicate that the first varieties from Syngenta’s F1 hybrid wheat programme are nearing commercialisation. These hybrids promise better yield consistency and resource efficiency, traits that are vital for UK farmers facing climate challenges.
Experts have noted that the lack of a strong domestic policy focusing on productive agriculture has contributed to this situation. Current UK farming policies tend to reward practices that may not enhance food production. For instance, policies encouraging farmers to take land out of production instead of using it for growing food may not support high-output agriculture. This may lead to a decline in the UK’s agricultural competitiveness, particularly as the European Union is shifting its policies to focus more on food security and the adoption of new farming technologies.
The Precision Breeding Act was meant to unlock the potential of gene editing in agriculture, allowing for the development of crops that are more resilient and efficient. However, the Food Standards Agency’s draft guidance for food and feed marketing may deter potential developers. The guidance appears to impose rigorous data requirements similar to those for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which could stifle innovation.
Additionally, the UK-EU dynamic alignment deal could complicate the progress of precision breeding in England. There are many uncertainties regarding how this alignment will affect the Precision Breeding Act. Questions remain about whether the exemptions will be permanent and how they will apply to Scotland and Wales, which have not enacted the Precision Breeding Act.
Farmers and innovators worry that the current regulatory environment may lead to England losing its unique advantage in gene editing. The European Union is expected to take 3-4 years to establish its own regulations for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). This gives England a brief window to advance its research and commercialisation efforts. The UK Government has a chance to establish a robust programme to support precision breeding research, which could benefit not just the UK but also the EU in the future.
Despite the challenges, public support for gene editing remains strong. A survey showed that many UK adults support gene editing for a sustainable agricultural future, with younger generations particularly enthusiastic.
As the UK Government navigates these complexities, it is crucial to focus on policies that encourage innovation in agriculture. The potential benefits of precision breeding for food security and environmental sustainability are significant. If the government acts quickly and decisively, England can maintain its position as a leader in this vital area of agricultural technology. However, if it continues to hesitate, other nations may take the lead, leaving UK farmers at a disadvantage in the global market.
In conclusion, while the Precision Breeding Act offers an exciting opportunity for agricultural innovation, the current regulatory landscape poses significant challenges. The UK must navigate these carefully to ensure that it does not fall behind Europe in the race for agricultural advancement. Farmers, scientists, and policymakers must work together to harness the full potential of gene editing for the benefit of all.
