While some scientists argue that agricultural gene editing regulations are overly restrictive, a new paper from the University of Adelaide emphasizes the importance of clear regulations to ensure that new technologies are used safely and responsibly.
Published in The Plant Journal, the Focused Review was conducted by researchers Dr. Emily Buddle, Michail Ivanov and Professor Rachel Ankeny. It outlines how regulation plays a vital role in the innovation process by encouraging public involvement and building trust in emerging gene technologies.
“Regulatory decisions are not just about scientific facts or economic benefits. They always involve value judgments, especially concerning safety, risk and societal benefits,” Dr. Buddle explains.
Dr. Buddle notes that while forms of gene-editing can make the same changes that could happen naturally in agriculture—a concept known as “scientific equivalency”—this does not translate to public acceptance.
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“What truly matters to the public is how the gene technology will be applied and what its perceived benefits are, rather than just whether it is gene-edited or genetically modified,” she says.
