New Zealand considers deregulating crop gene editing, but public resistance and limited understanding of CRISPR limits acceptance

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The potential use of genetic technologies in New Zealand’s agriculture has been a political hot potato for 25 years. But the National Party released its ‘Harnessing Biotech Plan’ last year. This proposal indicates the Government would introduce dedicated legislation outlining the use of gene editing and GM, replacing the current Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.

But the Government’s plan is just a plan, with no indication of when work might begin. The plan (if approved) would streamline approvals for gene-editing technologies that could reduce on-farm emissions and other applications, and approve trials (or use) of gene-edited products that have already been approved by at least two other OECD countries.

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