Written question asked by Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Genetically Modified Organisms: Regulation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of aligning the UK's regulatory framework for precision breeding technologies with that of the EU on investment decisions in the UK agri-food sector.

Answer: This Government introduced the Precision Breeding Regulations to encourage development of drought and disease-resistant crops thereby boosting productivity for British farmers, and Defra remain committed to implementing the Precision Breeding Act. These Regulations are subject to ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU as part of the SPS agreement. The EU have accepted there will need to be some areas where we retain our own rules.

Secondary information