Europe is on the cusp of approving gene editing of crops. Many other countries may follow soon.

After three decades of waging war on crop biotechnology, European politicians are about to change course.

In late April or early May, members of the European Parliament will vote in a plenary session on the use of gene-edited crops in the European Union.

A “yes” vote seems likely because many politicians and policy makers are now touting the benefits of modern plant breeding, says the co-founder of a precision breeding company from California.

“I’ve spent a lot of time speaking to … authorities in Europe,” said Peter Beetham, chief executive officer of Cibus, a firm that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies.

“I think they’ve recognized that the risks associated with gene editing are not doing (it).”

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Assuming Europe approves gene editing sometime this spring, it should have a ripple effect on global acceptance, Beetham said.

African and Asian countries that haven’t taken a position on gene edited crops would likely follow the European’s lead.

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