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
Event brings livestock competition into downtown setting
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture students traveled to Italy to study Roman and medieval construction, gaining a unique global educational experience.
Natalie Roy from AgriSafe Network talks about women’s role in agriculture and the increasing need to address their unique health and safety needs as they form a larger part of the workforce.
In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jeffrey Gold shares how disparities in dental care impact rural Americans and why early detection is important.
While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.

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:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the availability of over $275 million in grant funding in FY2026 for the specialty crop industry in the United States through three USDA programs.
JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.
Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
Industry leaders argue the decision could disrupt confidence in conservation practices and increase regulatory uncertainty for producers across the region.
A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.