Following the Queen’s Speech, the UK Government has now introduced the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill. The legislation is designed to remove barriers to research into gene editing technology that will enable the development and marketing of precision bred plants and animals.
We have brought together a group of experts to debate what impact this is likely to have in the immediate term and other likely changes that might follow. The event will begin with an interview with Matt Ridley who has been a leading voice supporting gene editing and pioneering approaches in agriculture. His books, speeches in the House of Lords and frequent articles have strongly advocated the benefits of this kind of innovation for Britain. There will then be a discussion with three experts with different industry experience – Ian Wright, former Director General of the Food & Drink Federation, Dominic Watkins, Partner at DWF and Samantha Brooke of the British Society of Plant Breeders.
The event will cover:
- What are the likely effects of the legislation for food production, innovation and the environment?
- Could this Bill be the first step towards other genetically related innovations?
- How will it affect the different players in the sector – retailers, farmers, manufacturers?
- What will the impact of divergence from the EU mean practically?
The event will take place via Zoom. This event has been postponed – registration will open again shortly.