Cibus CEO Explains Key Distinction Between GMO and Gene-Edited Crops

Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.

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.

Related Stories
U.S. aquaculture may gain competitive ground as harmful subsidies are phased out abroad, but producers should monitor shifts in import supply chains and trade enforcement closely.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America’s wildfire prevention and response system.
Understanding the Big, Beautiful Bill’s complex impact on SNAP benefits – that’s the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s legal expert, Roger McEowen.
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney joins us for a Canadian perspective on President Trump’s controversial tariff rollout, lower court rulings, and upcoming review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed a more than 30% decrease in U.S. dairy farms since 2017. The shrinking industry is now uniting to advocate for itself while also adopting technology to reduce operational strain.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.