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.
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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.
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The seed revolution is coming
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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.
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Genome editing’s patent problem fuels concern for the future of food
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Genome editing is touted as a solution to feeding a planet battered by climate change. But an outdated patent system could stifle its potential.
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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.
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Swiss parliament paves way for genome editing
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The Swiss parliament has decided to ease restrictions on genetic engineering in agriculture, while extending a moratorium for GMOs until 2025.
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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.
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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.