The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective November 13, 2025, activate parts of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.
The Act governs the release and sale of precision-bred organisms, specifically focusing on plants within England, Wales, and Scotland.
The regulations specify which sections of the Act come into force, primarily those concerning the release, marketing, risk assessment, and production of food from precision-bred plants, and their enforcement.
Arguments For
Facilitates innovation in agriculture: The regulations enable the use of precision breeding techniques for plant development, potentially boosting crop yields and improving food security.
Supports economic growth: The introduction of new plant varieties can stimulate innovation and economic activity within the agricultural sector.
Aligns with international standards: The regulations bring UK legislation in line with similar approaches used in other countries (evidence of specific existing models from different jurisdictions would enhance this argument).
Addresses food security concerns: The ability to develop more resilient and productive crops is crucial from a national and international food security perspective. Existing research on precision breeding applications relevant to food security would give this point more weight.
Arguments Against
Potential environmental risks: The long-term consequences of widely deploying precision-bred plants on biodiversity and ecosystems have yet to be fully understood.
Challenges in regulation and enforcement: Ensuring effective monitoring and enforcement of the regulations will require sufficient resources and expertise, especially given potential cross-border impacts.
Consumer concerns: Some individuals may express concerns about the safety and ethics of consuming precision-bred foods; addressing such anxieties effectively through public communication and transparency is important.
Unforeseen consequences: The complex interactions within ecological systems mean there's potential for unanticipated effects from widespread adoption of these technologies.
- Citation and extent (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025. (2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales and Scotland.
This section establishes the title of the regulations as the "Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025" and confirms their application to England, Wales, and Scotland.
- Commencement of provisions of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 in respect of precision bred plants (1) The provisions of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 listed in the following paragraphs come into force on 13th November 2025 for all remaining purposes in so far as they relate to precision bred organisms which are precision bred plants. (2) In Part 2 (precision bred organisms: release, marketing and risk assessment)— (a) sections 3 to 9; (b) section 16, except subsection (3)(c) and (d); (c) section 17; (d) section 18, except subsection (1)(f), (g) and (h); (e) sections 19 to 21; (f) section 22(1) and (2); (g) sections 23 and 24. (3) In Part 3 (food and feed produced from precision bred organisms), sections 26 to 30. (4) In Part 4 (enforcement), sections 31 to 38. (5) In Part 5 (general), sections 40 and 41.
This section specifies the commencement date (November 13, 2025) for certain provisions of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.
These provisions relate to precision-bred plants and cover aspects of their release, marketing, risk assessment, food production, enforcement, and general provisions.
Specific sections from Parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Act are listed, with some subsections excluded.
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Regulations) These Regulations bring into force provisions of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (c. 6) (“the Act”). The Act provides for the regulation of precision bred organisms released or marketed in England. These Regulations bring into force specified provisions of the Act (to the extent that they were not already in force by virtue of section 48(2) to (5) of the Act), but in respect of precision bred organisms which are precision bred plants only (and therefore not in respect of precision bred organisms that are precision bred animals). A full impact assessment has not been produced for these Regulations as no, or no significant, impact on the private or voluntary sector is foreseen. A full impact assessment has been published in relation to the Act and copies can be obtained from the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at www.gov.uk/defra or from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.
The explanatory note clarifies that these regulations implement parts of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023, focusing solely on precision-bred plants.
It also states that a full impact assessment was not necessary due to the lack of significant effects expected on the private or voluntary sectors.
Information on obtaining a full impact assessment on the Act is provided.