European Union Looks to Ease Restrictions on Gene-Edited Crops

Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (RFD NEWS) — The European Union is moving toward easing restrictions on gene-edited crop production, a shift that could increase farmer access to pest-resistant crop varieties. The potential change follows action by the EU’s environmental committee, which has voted in favor of deregulation.

Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on the current status of the deregulation process.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Beetham explained that the proposal has advanced following the environmental committee’s vote, marking a significant step from the previous regulatory framework discussed earlier this week. HEalso discussed what the proposed changes could mean for agriculture across the region, noting that revised rules may affect farmers and crop development going forward.

Next, Beetham addressed broader implications for the agricultural industry, including how easing restrictions on gene-edited crops could contribute to a more unified market. Finally, he outlined the remaining steps in the regulatory process as the proposal continues to move forward in the European Union.

Related Stories
The voluntary pledge aims to keep electricity and infrastructure expenses from shifting to rural customers.
NCBA President-elect Kim Brackett discusses why succession planning is essential for farm and ranch families and how a new free resource can help producers plan for the next generation.
Dr. Faith Parum discusses fertilizer market conditions, Farm Bureau’s new strategic fertilizer report, and policy options to strengthen the U.S. fertilizer supply chain.
USDA Under Secretary for Trade Luke Lindberg discusses the Port of Seattle’s role in ag exports, meetings with Washington producers, and the administration’s priorities for trade and expanding export opportunities.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA Cattle on Feed report for July shows fewer cattle entering feedlots and inventories remaining below last year as ongoing supply constraints continue to support the cattle market.
Tight cattle supplies, higher beef prices, and shifting global demand continue to slow U.S. beef exports as analysts await USDA cattle reports.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney says Canadian farmers are encouraged by improving crop conditions, but are watching the weather and USMCA negotiations closely.
Superior Livestock Auction expects strong demand at next week’s Video Royale in Nevada, featuring more than 140,000 head of cattle and buyers from across the country.
USMCA negotiations now include concerns over Mexico’s water treaty compliance, while the U.S. advances a federal investigation into lamb imports that could lead to new trade protections.