As the planet warms, gene editing is one of our greatest hopes for developing resilient crops that allow for adaptation.
Yet a warming planet and the advances of genomic technologies in other industries have not led to the widespread embrace of a new paradigm for crop breeding in agriculture. To get the most out of these technologies, we need a regulatory framework that keeps up with the science—and we need to take the public along for the journey.
In Europe, where I have lived for much of my career, the technology of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is still not welcomed, even though studies consistently demonstrate the safety of the foods already on the market, some for more than three decades.
…
We must not shy away from the use of biotech tools in agriculture, but rather deploy them rationally and transparently. CRISPR will allow for better-quality food with more sustainable production. For example, a label could be added to seed bags that includes information about the use and advantages of gene editing. I am convinced that increasing transparency is the way to increase trust. Let’s allow people to make choices that are good for their health and the planet.
