Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

White House Appoints Acting Administrator for DOGE

February 25, 2025

Poll Indicates Record High Approval for Trump and Republicans Amid Democratic Decline

March 19, 2025

Trump Claims Putin Seeks Peace Between Russia and Ukraine

May 19, 2025

Trump to Meet with Canadian Prime Minister and Mark Carney Amidst Tensions

May 6, 2025

Trump’s Plan to Enhance U.S. Investment Appeal

May 5, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Israel Commemorates Two Years Since Hamas Attack Amid Ongoing Gaza War Reflections
  • Stellantis Faces Major Data Breach Affecting Third-Party Information
  • FBI Arrests Dozens of Gang Leaders in Major Mexican Mafia Operation in Los Angeles
  • UK Police Disrupt Gang Allegedly Smuggling 40,000 Stolen Phones to China
  • Tesla Cuts Model Y Standard Price Below $40,000
  • Turkey to Supply Rare Earth Elements to the U.S. Amid Court of Accounts Findings
  • U.S.-Mexico Border Illegal Crossings Reach Lowest Level Since 1970
  • Nexstar Acquires Tegna for $6.2 Billion
  • Bob Ross Paintings Auctioned to Support Public TV Stations Following Funding Cuts
  • Excitement and Concerns Surround OpenAI’s Sora 2 and New AI Video Tools
  • Netanyahu Commemorates Two Years Since October 7 Attack, Declares Resilience Against Adversaries
  • Helicopter Crash on Sacramento Freeway Leaves Three Critically Injured
  • Global M&A Activity Surges Amid Megadeals and Rate-Cut Expectations
  • Tech Companies Report Earnings Amid Market Fluctuations
  • Gold Prices Surge, Prompting Warnings from Jewelry Industry
  • Israel Government Labels Zohran Mamdani as Hamas Spokesperson
  • CoolKicks Founder Arrested for Receiving Stolen Nike Goods Worth $500K
  • Hurricane Priscilla Strengthens Over Pacific, Forecast Path Revealed
  • Effective Methods for Detecting and Removing Malware from Infected Mac Computers
  • Portland Faces Escalating Tensions Amid Claims of ‘Domestic Occupation’
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Wednesday, October 8
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Europe News » First European Field Trial of Gene-Edited Wheat Underway
First European Field Trial of Gene-Edited Wheat Underway

First European Field Trial of Gene-Edited Wheat Underway

News EditorBy News EditorApril 18, 2025 Europe News 8 Mins Read

In 2020, scientists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on CRISPR-Cas, a powerful gene-editing technology with vast potential applications in fields like agriculture and medicine. This emerging innovation is part of a broader category known as new genomic techniques (NGTs), which promise to revolutionize genetic modifications without introducing foreign DNA. As Europe embarks on its first large-scale gene-edited wheat trial, there are growing discussions about the implications of NGTs and their regulation within the EU framework.

Article Subheadings
1) Understanding New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)
2) The Pioneer Wheat Research Near London
3) Current EU Regulations on NGTs
4) Controversy Surrounding NGT Regulations
5) The Future of NGTs in Agriculture

Understanding New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)

New genomic techniques (NGTs), which include methods like CRISPR-Cas, offer a way to make precise alterations in an organism’s genetic makeup. Unlike traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs), NGTs do not involve the introduction of foreign DNA from sexually incompatible species. Instead, they operate by making small modifications that can enhance certain traits within a species. This enables scientists to create crops with desirable features, such as improved nutritional profiles or enhanced resistance to pests and diseases.

Despite their potential, the European Union has not yet implemented a formal regulatory framework specific to NGTs as of 2023. As a result, the scientific community continues to discuss and formulate definitions and classifications for these techniques. For instance, experts like Vittoria Brambilla, an associate professor in botany at the University of Milan, describes NGTs as organisms that contain only small modifications to their existing genes rather than foreign genetic material. Thus, they are positioned as a more targeted approach to genetic improvement in contrast to the broader methodologies characteristic of GMOs.

The implications of NGTs extend significantly into both agriculture and the pharmaceutical industries. For example, NGTs may allow for the production of crops that require fewer pesticides or are more resilient to extreme weather conditions, thereby addressing key issues related to food security. However, the exact distinctions between NGTs and GMOs are still a topic of debate, further complicating the discussions surrounding legislation and public perception.

The Pioneer Wheat Research Near London

In a notable advancement for agricultural science, a team at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, near London, is pioneering Europe’s first field trial of gene-edited wheat. This project, initiated in 2016 shortly after Brexit, employs the CRISPR-Cas9 technology to reduce the levels of asparagine in wheat. Asparagine, an amino acid that can convert into acrylamide during cooking, poses potential health risks, including cancer. Thus, the reduction of this compound in foodstuffs serves both public health and safety interests, showcasing the real-world applications of NGTs.

The experiment led by Nigel Halford has shown positive results, achieving significant reductions in the concentration of free asparagine down to 10 percent of control levels. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 as a tool in creating genetically improved crops. Interestingly, the method used in this trial was a deviation from conventional practices; researchers first integrated genetic material encoding Cas9 and guide RNA directly into the wheat. Although this categorizes the plant initially as a GMO, the project aims to breed out these components, ultimately yielding a genome-edited plant that aligns with NGT classifications.

While the initiative represents a tremendous leap forward for agricultural practices, it also faces technical challenges, particularly in ensuring that all cells within the plant exhibit the same genetic modification. As noted by researcher Ania Lukasiewicz, synchronization in genetic alterations can be complex due to the regenerative capabilities of plants. Moving forward, Rothamsted Research is refining its methodologies, indicating ongoing commitment to advancing this crucial work.

Current EU Regulations on NGTs

Presently, the European Union regulates NGTs under existing GMO legislation, which enforces rigorous testing and risk assessments prior to commercialisation. This regulatory landscape has fostered rigorous scrutiny of NGT applications and slowed the process of bringing these innovations to market. However, the European Commission has proposed a new framework in 2023 aimed at distinguishing between different categories of NGT products to facilitate a more streamlined regulatory process.

Under the proposed changes, NGTs would be classified into two primary categories: NGT 1, which would exempt certain products from stringent risk assessments and labelling requirements, and NGT 2, which would still fall under traditional GMO regulatory frameworks. This dual classification emphasizes the type and number of genetic modifications permissible, with NGT 1 allowing only specific, minimal changes to the organism’s genetic blueprint, while NGT 2 encompasses a broader range of alterations.

This evolving regulatory approach has generated a mix of optimism and uncertainty among stakeholders involved in genetic research, agriculture, and food production. For scientists working in gene editing, the proposal suggests a potentially expedited path to market, raising hopes of faster integration of beneficial crops. However, the intricacies of implementing such a framework remain a critical talking point as further discussions take place within the EU.

Controversy Surrounding NGT Regulations

Despite the optimism among certain sectors of the scientific community, skepticism persists regarding the proposed EU regulations on NGTs. Prominent figures, such as Katja Tielbörger, a professor of plant ecology at the University of Tübingen in Germany, argue against the proposed regulatory dichotomy. Her concerns primarily focus on the environmental implications and agricultural ramifications of introducing new plant varieties, especially given the complex interplay within ecosystems.

Tielbörger emphasizes that scientific evidence does not fully support the distinction between NGT 1 and NGT 2, suggesting that the proposed limits appear arbitrary. Furthermore, she presents a critical perspective on whether the introduction of new NGTs is genuinely necessary to address food security issues. According to her, the real focus should not be on developing new genetic strains but on how food is allocated and distributed effectively, stating, “Food security is not an issue of which varieties we have. It’s an issue of how the food is distributed and what is happening with it.”

Such concerns underscore the need for a balanced approach to the regulation and implementation of NGTs in agriculture, reflecting wider societal values and ecological considerations.

The Future of NGTs in Agriculture

Looking ahead, the future of NGTs in agriculture appears promising yet fraught with challenges. As new regulations emerge, there will be critical discussions about how they will impact public perception and acceptance of genetically edited crops. The advances made in gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas could unlock avenues for creating more resilient agricultural products capable of thriving in changing climates and meeting the challenges posed by diminishing natural resources.

Rather than simply debating the safety and efficacy of NGTs, proponents advocate for a broader conversation about their role in sustainable agriculture and food security. As stakeholders from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies navigate the complexities of this emerging landscape, a collaborative approach will be essential for harnessing the full potential of NGTs while addressing legitimate concerns from various sectors.

In summary, the gradual evolution of NGT regulations will significantly shape the trajectory of agricultural science and food production within Europe and beyond, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and research.

No. Key Points
1 NGTs, such as CRISPR-Cas, enable precise genetic modifications without introducing foreign DNA.
2 The first gene-edited wheat field trial in Europe is being conducted in Harpenden, England, targeting reductions in the carcinogenic compound asparagine.
3 Current EU regulations subject NGTs to GMO legislation, but a new proposal aims to categorize NGTs for less stringent regulation.
4 Debate exists regarding the necessity of NGTs amid concerns about ecological impacts and overall food security.
5 The future of NGTs in agriculture looks promising, emphasis on collaborative dialogue is essential for ethical implementation.

Summary

The advancements in new genomic techniques like CRISPR-Cas represent a significant step forward in agricultural science, offering potentially safer and more effective means of enhancing crop traits. As Europe navigates the complexities of regulating these innovations, balancing scientific advancement with environmental considerations and public acceptance remains crucial. The ongoing discussions around NGTs are not just technological debates but reflect broader socio-economic factors that define modern agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are new genomic techniques (NGTs)?

NGTs refer to advanced methods, such as CRISPR-Cas, that allow for precise alterations in the genetic makeup of organisms without introducing foreign DNA from incompatible species.

Question: Why is the gene-edited wheat trial important?

The trial aims to reduce the levels of asparagine in wheat, which can convert into a potential carcinogen during cooking, thereby enhancing food safety and demonstrating the practical applications of NGTs in agriculture.

Question: What changes are being proposed regarding the regulation of NGTs in the EU?

The proposed changes seek to create two categories of NGTs, with NGT 1 having less stringent regulations while NGT 2 remains subject to existing GMO laws, addressing the need for a more nuanced regulatory approach.

Brexit Continental Affairs Cultural Developments Economic Integration Energy Crisis Environmental Policies EU Policies European European Leaders European Markets European Politics European Union Eurozone Economy Field GeneEdited Infrastructure Projects International Relations Migration Issues Regional Cooperation Regional Security Social Reforms Technology in Europe Trade Agreements trial Underway Wheat
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Europe News

UK Police Disrupt Gang Allegedly Smuggling 40,000 Stolen Phones to China

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Global M&A Activity Surges Amid Megadeals and Rate-Cut Expectations

5 Mins Read
Europe News

Czech Elections: Babiš Expected to Forge Independent Path in EU

7 Mins Read
Europe News

Former Tesla Board Member Reveals Strategy for Capitalizing on the EV Boom

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Exploring Bull Markets, Economic Bubbles, and Swiftonomics

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Drone Sightings Disrupt Munich Migration Conference

6 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump Nominates Jonathan McKernan for Treasury Position

May 9, 2025

U.S. Military Strikes Alleged Drug Boat, Resulting in Three Deaths

September 19, 2025

4-Year-Old with Rare Health Condition Granted Humanitarian Parole in U.S.

June 3, 2025

Supreme Court Permits Temporary Halt on Education Grants by Trump Administration

April 4, 2025

Trump Purges National Security Council Staff, Officials Report

April 3, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version