The United Kingdom has officially launched a new era for crop science as the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 took effect on November 13, 2025. This landmark legislation introduces a new regulatory framework for precision-bred plants in England, distinguishing them from traditional genetically modified (GM) crops. These regulations concern plants developed using techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to make small genetic changes that could have occurred naturally or through conventional breeding, but which can now be achieved faster and with greater accuracy.

Scientists and breeders can now submit applications to register these new crop varieties, paving the way for advanced farming solutions. The UK's move is being hailed as a historic milestone for agriculture, providing a clear and long-awaited path to market for innovative projects. Professor Mario Caccamo, chief executive of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), described the Act's implementation as a historic milestone. “This is the first time in a generation that legislation has been brought forward which seeks to enable, rather than restrict, the use of advanced genetic technologies in UK agriculture. It will help accelerate the development of improved crop varieties with potential benefits for farmers, consumers, and the environment.”

Crop science organizations, including The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) and NIAB, see this as a critical step toward strengthening food security and sustainability. The new policy is expected to accelerate the development of a wide range of improved crops already in the pipeline. Potential early applications include higher-yielding strawberries, nutritionally enhanced oilseeds, and disease-resistant sugar beet and potatoes. By allowing the rapid creation of crops that require fewer inputs and are more resilient to climate change, experts believe precision breeding will help the UK produce healthier food, reduce food waste, and lead the world in sustainable, science-based farming. Political support for the Act remains strong, reflecting a decisive shift in public and political opinion toward science-based solutions for global food challenges.

For more details, read the news articles in the TSL News and Insights and the NIAB News.