8
Accepted
EU genomic technology framework delay undermines UK precision breeding advantage
Conclusion
The EU’s forthcoming new genomic technology (NGT) framework could take several years to be finalised, and waiting for alignment between the EU and UK on precision breeding would undermine England’s first-mover advantage and stall the development and release of PBOs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
Government Response Summary
The government states that secondary legislation needed to implement the Genetic Technology Act 2023 commenced on 13 November 2025. The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, as set out in the May 2025 Common Understanding.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The secondary legislation needed to implement The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants in England commenced on 13 November 2025. This marks a major milestone in delivering regulatory reform for precision breeding and we are confident that these new enabling regulations will translate the benefits of precision breeding into a reality. The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, as set out in the May 2025 Common Understanding. Details of these are subject to negotiation. Details of any exceptions will be published once negotiations conclude. The UK has been clear about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards, support public health, and support the use of new and innovative technologies.
Source
Inquiry
Animal and plant health
Report
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an SPS agreement work
05 Feb 2026
HC 1661
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
05 Feb 2026