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Genetically Modified Organisms: Regulation

Asked by Charlie DewhirstConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 1 July 2026UIN 12925

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her European counterparts on the UK's regulatory framework for precision breeding technologies in support of growth and investment in the agri-food sector.

Answered by Stephen Morgan

This Government introduced the Precision Breeding Regulations to encourage development of drought and disease-resistant crops thereby boosting productivity for British farmers, and Defra remain committed to implementing the Precision Breeding Act. These Regulations are subject to ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU as part of the SPS agreement. The EU have accepted there will need to be some areas where we retain our own rules.

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