BRUSSELS, Belgium (RFD-TV) — European farmers may soon have better access to innovative seed technologies as the European Union advances with new regulations for gene-edited crops, a move aimed at easing restrictions and fostering a more unified agricultural market across the region.
Dr. Peter Beetham, Interim CEO of Cibus, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to explain what these regulatory changes mean for producers and the global ag industry. Beetham began by clarifying the distinction between gene editing and traditional GMO technology — an important point for both farmers and consumers who increasingly want to know how their food is grown.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, noting that harmonizing regulations can open doors for faster trait development and greater farmer access worldwide.
According to Beetham, this change has the potential to significantly impact global agriculture by accelerating the availability of improved seeds designed to resist pests, fight crop diseases, and withstand climate stress.
Cibus’s advanced breeding technology enables the development of traits in under a year, a leap that Beetham says can help farmers respond more quickly to emerging challenges in their fields. He shared real-world examples of Cibus traits in crops such as soybeans, rice, and canola that have improved yields and reduced production costs for growers.
Looking ahead, Beetham emphasized that gene editing will play an increasingly critical role in food security, helping farmers adapt to a changing climate and meet the world’s growing demand for sustainable and resilient crops.
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