A new report published
by the Regulatory Horizons Council today sets out how the UK
could take a leading role in shaping regulation to allow
innovative and safe products using genetic technologies to be
commercialised.
The Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) is an independent
expert committee which identifies the regulation needed to foster
technological innovation and provides government with impartial,
expert advice on the regulatory reform required to support its
rapid and safe introduction.
Genetic technologies involve understanding, making or adapting
genetic material. These technologies create opportunities to
transform agri-food systems through nutritionally healthier crop
varieties, disease resistance, reduced insecticide and fungicide
use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved climate
resilience, and contributions to sustainability and biodiversity
conservation.
The report supports the proposals of the recent government
consultation in this area, and builds on them by providing
additional recommendations for what a new regulatory approach
should look like over the longer term. It suggests the changes
could significantly reduce the cost and time to market for new
products, unlocking innovation in the development of plant and
animal varieties that can benefit consumers, the environment and
long-term economic growth in the UK.
It also points to how the UK could take advantage of its
departure from the European Union to restructure regulation to
make it more scientifically credible, proportionate to both risks
and benefits, as well as providing more certainty to businesses
looking to invest in these technologies.
The Business Secretary has written to the Regulatory
Horizons Council welcoming the report, and the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural affairs will respond in detail to its
recommendations following the response to its consultation on
this topic.
