Swiss Parliament Eases Restriction for Gene Editing

The Swiss Parliament is easing restrictions on gene editing techniques in agriculture and extended the moratorium for genetically modified organisms until 2025.

The Senate has asked the Swiss government to propose details for the use of gene editing techniques on plants and seeds by mid-2024. Exemptions will be allowed if they have added value for agriculture, consumers, and the environment compared with conventional methods. This move followed a similar decision by the House of Representatives.

Supporters of gene editing state that the technique could be helpful in developing climate change resilient plants. Other speakers praised the decision as a compromise solution that satisfied the needs of the science community.

For more information, read the article in Swissinfo.