Ethics body unimpressed by crop genome editing claims
Genome editing of crops continues to divide opion in Switzerland.
Keystone / Martin Ruetschi
Switzerland should devote more energies to reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture than genome editing science, said an influential political ethics body.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Português
pt
Órgão de ética critica edição do genoma para combater mudança climática
The Federal Ethics Commission for Non-Human Biotechnology said techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, a genome-editing tool that alters the DNA of crops, would likely have a limited impact on alleviating the effects of climate change.
More
More
The seed revolution is coming
This content was published on
More governments are allowing genome editing technology in our food. Some aren’t regulating it at all. What does this mean for the future of food?
Genome editing has been used successfully around the world to engineer animals and crops that are resistant to disease.
Advocates of the science believe CRISPR could help cushion the problems of climate change with improved plant breeding methods and by producing greater crop yields.
But the ethics commission report, released on Monday, said efforts should instead focus on reducing greenhouse emissions and water usage of agriculture in Switzerland.
The commission called for a reduction in the number of farm animals and an increase in the amount of plant-based food.
An alliance of food retailers and farmers, called ‘Varieties for Tomorrow’, expressed its disappointment with the report, calling for regulatory approval for new plant breeding methods by 2024.
The Swiss Farmers’ Association said that the number of farm animals has declined by 20% in the last 40 years, including a 25% reduction in cattle.
Switzerland has imposed a moratorium on genetically modified organisms until 2025, but parliament is open to making some exemptions to the ban if they add value to agriculture, consumers or the environment.
More
More
Genome editing’s patent problem fuels concern for the future of food
This content was published on
Genome editing is touted as a solution to feeding a planet battered by climate change. But an outdated patent system could stifle its potential.
This content was published on
By 8am on Saturday, an 11-kilometre queue had formed at the Gotthard tunnel’s northern entrance, with drivers facing nearly two hours of delays.
Plant-based meat market in Switzerland set to grow to CHF361 million by 2030
This content was published on
Switzerland’s market for plant-based meat alternatives has a potential value of around CHF 242 million this year, though it remains a niche market.
This content was published on
The army is looking for a modern solution for its decommissioned fortress mortar bunkers, with plans to turn them into hardened defence hubs.
This content was published on
Spain ended Switzerland’s run in the Women’s Euros on Friday, but fans in Bern made history with the largest supporters’ march in Women’s Euros history.
This content was published on
Solar energy pioneer Raphaël Domjan and his team continued preparations for the altitude record attempt at 10,000 metres with the SolarStratos solar aircraft.
This content was published on
Cattle in the canton of Geneva and in the neighbouring region of Terre Sainte in the canton of Vaud are being vaccinated against the contagious viral skin nodule disease. The first cases of the animal disease were reported at the end of June in France, just outside Geneva.
Fewer attacks on Swiss ATMs but their future remains uncertain
This content was published on
Bank ATMs in Switzerland are less prone to attacks by criminals, but their future remains uncertain given the less active use of cash by the population.
This content was published on
A series of rockfalls occurred above the village of Brienz between 9 and 12 July. According to the municipality of Albula, the overall situation remains tense. Several people disregarded the ban on entering the area around the village.
This content was published on
Arosa Bergbahnen achieved the highest figure in its 95-year history in the 2024/25 financial year with net revenue of CHF 37 million. Arosa Lenzerheide was able to capitalise on strengths such as snow reliability and the size of the ski area in a long winter season, the company announced on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss parliament paves way for genome editing
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament has decided to ease restrictions on genetic engineering in agriculture, while extending a moratorium for GMOs until 2025.
This content was published on
More governments are allowing genome editing technology in our food. Some aren't regulating it at all. What does this mean for the future of food?
Genome editing’s patent problem fuels concern for the future of food
This content was published on
Genome editing is touted as a solution to feeding a planet battered by climate change. But an outdated patent system could stifle its potential.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.