The UK Government has announced new legislation to promote precision breeding technology in a bid to increase food production, cut costs for farmers, and develop crops that are resistant to drought and disease. This move aims to strengthen the country’s food security while fostering innovation in agriculture.
Unveiling the new measures at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner revealed that secondary legislation would be passed to unlock the benefits of the Precision Breeding Act, which was introduced earlier this year. This legislation is expected to support farmers and the agriculture industry by enabling the development of crops that are more nutritious, pest-resistant, and resilient to climate change.
One of the key benefits of precision breeding, which uses advanced technologies such as gene editing, is the potential to reduce pesticide use. This will help protect vital pollinators and promote nature recovery. The Government believes this will not only support environmental sustainability but also make the farming process more efficient and cost-effective.
Zeichner stated: “This Government recognises that food security is national security. That is why today we are introducing legislation to unlock precision breeding to boost Britain’s food security, support nature’s recovery and protect farmers from climate shocks.”
The new laws will simplify the currently complex process for bringing new precision-bred products to market. This will open up the sector to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have previously been unable to compete with larger multinationals due to high regulatory costs. Precision breeding, which already contributes £1 billion to the UK economy each year, is seen as a key driver of future agricultural growth and sustainability.
The legislation follows successful trials of precision-bred crops in the UK, including vitamin D-enriched tomatoes and pesticide-resistant sugar beet. These innovations, which are expected to become available across the country in the coming years, could help ensure the UK’s food supply remains stable in the face of climate change and other global challenges.
Zeichner added: “With these measures, our agriculture sector will be at the forefront of innovation across the world. Precision breeding has the potential to significantly enhance food production and support farmers, while promoting a more sustainable and resilient food system.”
Beyond precision breeding, the Government has pledged broader support for farmers. The introduction of a new deal for farmers will aim to boost rural economic growth, protect the agricultural sector from the impacts of trade deals, and ensure fairer supply chains. Additionally, initiatives like a Flood Resilience Taskforce and support for British produce through Government procurement will be implemented to shield farmers from market and environmental shocks.
The Government also announced plans to optimise its Environmental Land Management schemes, ensuring these programmes deliver better outcomes for farmers, particularly those from smaller, often overlooked farms in upland and grassland areas.
By fostering an enabling regulatory environment for precision breeding, the UK hopes to become a world leader in agri-food innovation, while also ensuring food security for its citizens.
