EU Reset Deal Could Undermine UK’s GM Crop Advancements, Warn Scientists and Farmers

The UK’s ambitions to lead the world in gene-edited crop production risk being derailed by a proposed regulatory alignment deal with the European Union, scientists and agricultural leaders have warned.

As the UK government explores a post-Brexit “reset” of trade relations with the EU, it is considering aligning certain food safety and agricultural standards to reduce border checks on UK food exports. However, Brussels is reportedly demanding that the UK suspend the implementation of its new Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act in return—raising fears that vital agricultural innovation could be sacrificed for smoother trade.

Professor Mario Caccamo, chief executive of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), expressed deep concern over the potential impact:

“We are concerned that ministers will be forced to sacrifice these new scientific advances in order to agree a deal with the EU. In this country the legislation is already in place and ready to be used. In Europe there is no agreement yet, and we know that the process to authorise a precision-bred crop could take up to ten years. The UK was in a unique position to lead the world on precision breeding.”

The Genetic Technology Act, passed in 2023, was widely heralded as one of the tangible benefits of Brexit. It allows UK researchers and growers to develop crops using gene editing techniques designed to improve yields, enhance disease resistance and increase drought tolerance. The UK government estimated the sector could be worth up to £1 billion a year.

However, the Act has yet to be fully implemented. The Labour government, while not opposing the Act, has delayed the introduction of crucial secondary legislation needed to bring it into effect. That delay, coupled with ongoing negotiations with Brussels, has sparked alarm among UK scientists, farmers and industry leaders.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, also voiced concern:

“Farmers wanted an improved trading relationship with the EU, but not at the cost of being able to use the technology to deliver improved sustainability. We must be allowed to use the tools in the toolbox.”

Reports suggest the EU wants any new regulatory alignment to be time-limited until 2030 and tied to access for European fishing vessels in British waters. The bloc is also pushing for tight alignment on pesticides and fungicides—potentially banning products already approved in the UK.

As discussions continue, stakeholders warn that the UK could lose its global lead in gene-edited crops unless it defends its post-Brexit regulatory freedoms.