b'Canada Wont Regulate Gene Editing Like it Does GM. The EU Might Soon Follow SuitITS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT SOMETHING MICROSCOPIC CAN HAVE SUCH BIG EFFECTS ON THE POLITICAL WORLD. BY: MARC ZIENKIEWICZM endel Perkins and Petra Jorasch live with that reality everyThis decision has restricted researchers and businesses in the day as they wade through regulations surrounding geneEU, leading to frustration and a potential brain drain as scientists editing. seek more accommodating jurisdictions for their work, she said, Perkins serves as lead scientist for Calgary-based AgGenesomething Perkins can attest to.while Jorasch works as manager of plant breeding innovation advo- Despite the challenges faced by the EU in regard to gene edit-cacy for Euroseeds. On a recent episode of Seed Speaks, both helpeding, theres a glimmer of hope for the EU, as discussions surround-shed light on the enormous political implications of gene editinging potential changes in gene editing regulations are ongoing.on the political sphere. The EU Commission is considering a verification process Perkins remarked on the recent significant changes in Canadasto determine if a product derived through gene editing could be gene editing regulations, which took years to craft and which theexempt it from GMO regulations. This would align the EU with seed industry waited for with bated breath. countries like the UK, which have taken a more relaxed approach to Earlier this year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agencygene editing. However, the timeline for implementing such changes (CFIA) provided clarity on how they would regulate gene editing,is uncertain, given the complexities of EU policymaking.stating that it would not be subject to the same regulations as genet- After the UKs exit from the European Union, they initiated ically modified organisms (GMOs). discussions on how to regulate genome editing and genome-ed-Perkins emphasized the importance of this decision forited products. What theyve established is known as the precision researchers, businesses, and investors, as it allows them to proceedbreeding bill. This bill adopts an approach like that followed by with confidence in their projects. Canadas approach focuses onseveral other countries globally, including South American nations, the characteristics of the end products rather than the technologyAustralia, the U.S., and Canada.used to create them. This is a sensible way to regulate, as it fostersThe core principle is that if a product resulting from these tech-ongoing innovation, accommodates new gene editing tools, andnologies can be achieved through conventional breeding methods, aligns with decades of safe and effective use of technology, he said. it is not classified as a GMO and thus escapes GMO regulations. The recent clarity provided by Health Canada and theHowever, if it differs from what can be achieved through conven-Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been a game-changer fortional breeding, it remains under GMO regulations.us. It has not only given us the confidence to push forward withThe UK has already drafted and adopted its regulation, with our work but has also garnered support and confidence from thesecondary legislation pending. They anticipate having a fully oper-investment community, he says. ational system by the end of the next year, Jorasch said. On the The regulatory framework in Canada places significant empha- other hand, the EU has proposed a system that shares similarities sis on evaluating the end results of the gene editing process, specif- with this approach.ically focusing on the characteristics of food products and animalIf the EU adopts a more lenient stance on gene editing regu-feed, as well as potential risks. Notably, these regulations adoptlations, it could have positive global implications. It would facilitate a process-agnostic approach, meaning they do not overly concernagricultural trade and promote food production, aligning with EU themselves with the specific technologies used but rather concen- sustainability goals, Jorasch said.trate on assessing the safety and attributes of the final products. Such changes might allow the EU to become a leader in global From our vantage point, this approach appears to be a rea- agricultural production and encourage international collaboration. sonable way to regulate the field for several reasons. It is rooted in aIn the bigger picture, a science-based approach to gene editing reg-history of safe and effective use of genetic technologies and recom- ulations can help drive innovation and address challenges such as binant DNA techniques in the Canadian market, Perkins added. climate impact on agriculture, Perkins noted.In stark contrast, the European Unions approach to gene editing regulations has been considerably more stringent. Jorasch explained the historical background of gene editing regulations in the EU, highlighting the European Court of Justices ruling in 2018 that classified gene-edited products as GMOs. Watch our full episode on gene editing and the political Unlike Canadas approach, the EU emphasizes the process ofsphere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEoSCZftKSUdevelopment rather than the final product.8ISEED WORLD EUROPEIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'