NPA backs calls to speed up gene editing regulation

The NPA has backed calls for the Government to spped up plans to allow the commercial use of precision breeding techniques in farmed animals.

Yorkshire pig producer Rob Beckett has written to Farming Minister Mark Spencer, urging him to intervene in the process. 

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act was granted Royal Assent in March this year, paving the way for gene edited crops and livestock to be introduced on farms in England.

One of the first potential applications in livestock could be PRRS resistant pigs, bred using gene edited traits developed by scientists at the University of Missouri in the US, and the Roslin Institute in the UK. In August, PIC submitted an application for approval of the technology on the US - it expects to receive an answer within six months.

But under the terms of the Precision Breeding Act, which applies to England only, gene edited plants are being prioritised over livestock.

Whereas, more detailed implementing rules authorising precision bred crops for commercial release in England are expected to be finalised in summer 2024, coming into force at the end of 2024, the UK Government has indicated that the equivalent process for farm animals could take a further two years (end-2026).

Mr Becket told Mr Spencer pig producers in England should get access to the same advanced genetics as soon as possible to help alleviate the suffering to animals, and distress to producers, caused by intractable diseases such as PRRS.

“PRRS is a dreadful condition, endemic in both indoor and outdoor pig production in the UK, and responsible for significant losses, as much as £30 million per year in England alone.

"But as a fellow farmer, I know you will understand that this issue is not just about pounds and pence. It is also about avoiding animal suffering, and the distress this causes among producers. A genetic solution is now available which could eradicate this horrible disease – it seems unethical not to get it out onto farms at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.

Mr Beckett’s call came after PIC hosted a series of roadshows around the country to update UK pig producers on its efforts to introduce gene edited PRRS-resistant pigs in the US and UK markets, including efforts to gain market acceptance. 

NPA comment

NPA chief policy adviser Charlie Dewhirst said: "Gene editing has the potential to deliver huge benefits for the pig sector, including helping to tackle one of the most damaging pig diseases on the planet. 

"We very much welcomed Defra's Precision Breeding Bill and, while understand the need to proceed with caution and consider all the implications, we would like to see the process speeded up, so the industry can access this game-changing technology at the earliest oppotunity."