Rothamsted Research scientists have welcomed changes that will make gene editing (GE) research much easier from now on. 

The new UK legislation, announced recently by Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will remove much of the red tape around the research and development of improved crop varieties using, so-called precision breeding techniques. 

Rothamsted Research director and chief executive, Prof. Angela Karp said: “This announcement is very welcome news. It will significantly speed up our ability to test enhanced crops in the field.

Prof. Karp's remarks were echoed by two of the UK’s leading gene editing experts. 

Prof. Johnathan Napier said: “This is a really positive development and I am genuinely excited by the opportunities this shift in the classification of genome editing in plants will bring.

“And this change to how field trials are regulated is a welcome first step in liberalising how the UK regulates new genetic technologies like GE and genetic modification." 

The scientist said that the UK will now be better able realise its potential as a world leader in plant biotechnology to deliver food security.

His colleague, Prof. Nigel Halford added: “This is great news, and the first positive step in the regulation of crop biotechnology for two decades. 

“The possibility of low acrylamide wheat products being available to consumers in the future has moved one step closer," he concluded.