b'being tested in the UK could reduce, which could also reduce choice for UK growers and lead to a decline in the genetic diver-sity of varieties. However, BSPB is working closely with DEFRA and the devolved administrations to reduce and streamline this process. Changes have already been made by DEFRA to how seed for final use, such as trials, is tested and sampled as it comes into the UK, which should help the process.The methods and regulations involved in exporting seed to EU member nations have become less clear, and although we have equivalence on certified seed with the EU there is very little alignment on requirements between countries. BSPB is there-fore working with DEFRA, the EU Commission and individual Member States to clarify the requirements for importing seed. The aim is to collate a list of issues relevant to specific Member States that can be addressed and hopefully overcome. Seed and plant breeding is very much a European industry, and we want this to continue.Importing seed into the UK also carries challenges. The EU chose an immediate start date of 1 January 2021 for SPS require-ments. However, the UK opted for a phased entry, starting with higher priority plants. Although this is a welcomed phasing of new checks and procedures it has led to some confusion at UK borders. Working with DEFRA, BSPB has tried to provide increased communication to members importing seed, hoping to ensure seed supply remains consistent and secure now and in the future.The BSPB office in Ely, UK. Duties on seed imports and exports between the UK and EU Member States has been causing confusion and uncertainty. This has caused some delays at border control, and, in some cases, it has increased the cost for businesses importing seed. BSPB is communicating with businesses and individuals handling the import of goods into the UK about when a duty is due. Clarifying this will help to ensure products are not being held up awaiting a decision. It will also help to prevent against any unnecessary payments being made.As a founding member of the Agri Supply Coalition, BSPB has been able to feedback to its members, information and advice on government initiatives that can support businesses effected by Brexit. The strength of being in an industry coalition has proved vital during this time, and we have valued the relation-ship and ability to share concerns and ideas, even more so as a result of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.EDITED OR MODIFIED?In March, DEFRA put forward a public consultation to gather opin-ion on the debate about whether gene editing (GE) should be reg-ulated in the same way as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). BSPB welcomed this consultation and hopes that the results to the questions it has posed will reflect positively on the fundamental differences between GE and GMOs. The results will be published later this summer and DEFRA has received 6444 submissions which highlights the importance of GE and this legislation to food and farming in the UK. BSPB supports new breeding techniques such as gene editing as these new technologies help us accelerate and improve changes that occur naturally over time. GE has the potential to make produc-ing abundant, healthy food part of reducing the environmental impact of a growing global population. By improving the natural breeding process, GE can help the UK to reach climate and bio-diversity goals. It could also have the potential to produce pest and disease resistant crop varieties that can adjust to future climate changes. This was supported and shared in the recently published EU Commission study on New Breeding Techniques. The study 26IEUROPEAN SEEDIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'