Gene-edited crop production is to be accelerated by the government to help guarantee food supplies for Britain in the face of the conflict in Ukraine.

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill will supersede EU laws and remove rules blocking research into gene-editing technology.

The first reading of the government bill supporting the development of gene-edited crops will be introduced in parliament on Wednesday 25 May.

See also: Debate: Gene editing the pros and cons for farming

The second reading could take place in early June, followed by a committee stage in late June or early July, and the report stage sometime after the summer recess. 

Its main function will be to allow research institutions and companies to develop and market precision-bred plants and animals.

The government hopes this will drive economic growth and attract investment into agri-food research and innovation in the UK.

Other benefits listed were the genetic manipulation of organisms to create safer food by removing allergens and preventing the formation of harmful compounds in food.

Plans to introduce the legislation have been on the table since the UK left the EU.

The government has suggested the war in Ukraine added greater urgency for the need to secure food supplies and the bill’s release has come to the fore.

Climate challenge

Defra secretary George Eustice told the Telegraph: “Precision technologies allow us to speed up the breeding of crops that have a natural resistance to diseases and climate change, and better use of soil nutrients so we can have higher yields with fewer pesticides and fertilisers.

“Water scarcity is a coming a challenge with climate change, and this technology could therefore be imperative to global food security.”

The government is due to publish a White Paper in its response to Henry Dimbleby’s National Food Strategy next month. Food security is expected to be featured in the report.

It is understood that ministers are mulling plans to introduce minimum targets for domestic food production to safeguard the country’s food security.

The NFU has previously stated that self-sufficiency in food must not drop below its current levels of about 60% – and should be increased to levels seen in the 1908s when it was nearer 80%.

CLA stance

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said farmers and environmentalists should welcome the government’s decision to bring forward the gene-editing bill, which was mentioned in the Queen’s Speech on 10 May.

“The fragility of global and domestic food security has been exposed by recent events, and it is essential that we can have a full range of tools for the future,” said CLA president Mark Tufnell.

“Now, more than ever, we need to focus on new technology that can deliver benefits for climate and the environment, alongside crop and livestock production.

“These measures will play a crucial part in helping to manage our food security and strengthen our domestic supply chains.

“The potential benefits are high, and the risks are no different from conventional breeding.”

Opposition

But Pat Thomas, director of Beyond GM, said more debate was needed on the introduction of gene-editing technology.

“The government’s goal is total deregulation, but last year’s public consultation showed that 85% of respondents wanted to see gene-editing regulated as GMO.

“Given the strong public concerns about genome editing and the fact that much of the science is unsettled and even contested, Beyond GM is calling for more widespread and inclusive debate.”

However, the timetable for when the first gene-edited crops could be grown commercially in the UK remains unclear, with some commentators suggesting it could be as early as 2023 and others within five years.

Meanwhile, devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales have also previously stated that they wish to stay aligned with EU rules on gene editing and genetic modification.