The evolving landscape of global regulations on genome-edited crops

Abstract

The creators of CRISPR/Cas have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their ground-breaking technology and its exceptional potential to address fundamental issues in the field of biological sciences. This revolutionary tool has accelerated the development of novel crop varieties with enhanced features in agriculture, all without the need for transgenes. However, in order for this technology to reach its full potential, the establishment of a precise and comprehensive global regulatory framework for these crops is crucial. Despite the absence of foreign genetic material in crops developed through CRISPR/Cas mediated genome editing, there is an ongoing and intense debate surrounding the regulation of these crops prior to their release into the market. While certain CRISPR-edited crops have already been introduced in Japan, their legal status remains a point of contention in several nations, including the EU and New Zealand. This review paper serves as a comprehensive guide to the worldwide regulatory framework for CRISPR-edited crops, as well as provide insights into the future prospects of this transformative technology. By examining the current landscape of regulations and exploring potential avenues for harmonization, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for CRISPR-edited crops.