Vital opportunity to ensure genetically modified seeds and plant materials are listed in the national seeds listing and labelled on seed packets – consultation closes 14 April 2025
Beyond GM is urging businesses and individuals across the food and agriculture sectors to respond to Defra’s consultation on the Plant Varieties and Seeds Framework for Precision Bred Plant Varieties before the fast-approaching deadline.
The consultation addresses crucial issues of transparency and traceability for genetically modified precision-bred organisms (GM-PBOs) in the UK food supply chain. These regulations will impact:
* Seed companies and plant breeders
* Farmers and growers
* Food processors and manufacturers
* Retailers
* Organic and non-GMO producers
* Consumers who want choice about what they buy.
Following on from the widescale deregulation brought in with the UK’s Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023, which removed existing labelling requirements for GM-PBOs, this consultation represents perhaps the final opportunity to ensure mandatory listing and labelling of these organisms.
Key stakeholders raise concerns
Beyond GM recently hosted a series of web meetings with key stakeholders to discuss the consultation. These meetings highlighted significant concerns about the proposed approach to GM-PBOs, including:
* The critical importance of mandatory listing and labelling for supply chain transparency
* Regulatory challenges regarding PBO classification in organic standards and devolved nations
* Potential risks to organic and non-GMO supply chains without proper traceability
* Significant business impacts from lack of clear identification systems
Many stakeholders expressed concern about the consultation questions, noting they appear designed to encourage certain responses. In response, Beyond GM has produced comprehensive guidance materials (see links below) to help navigate what has could be described as a ‘tricky but important consultation.’
Beyond GM's position
Beyond GM firmly believes that a mandatory list of precision-bred varieties, compiled and maintained by the government, along with mandatory labelling, is essential to establishing a credible audit trail. This ensures all participants in the farming and food supply chain can make informed choices about what they use and buy.
In many places the questions in this consultation refer to “your business” but, ultimately, you do not have to be “in business” to be impacted by these proposals. They fundamentally affect the ability of all participants in the farming and food supply chain to choose. So, please, do not be put off by references to business. Your right to choose whether or not to buy or use genetically modified precision-bred organisms (GM-PBOs) is your “business”.
How to respond
The consultation can be completed online or via email. Taking on board the perspectives of the seed producers, organic certification bodies, plant breeders, gardeners and environmentalists who attended Beyond GM's meetings flagged as important to them, the group has produced a range of materials to help others respond effectively to the consultation.
* A summary of the issues raised and conclusions of the meetings
* The PowerPoint slides providing background
* Separate guidance on how to respond – noting how ‘tricky’ some of the questions are
* Direct link to the consultation
Beyond GM encourages all respondents to share a copy of their submission with their MP, explaining why this issue matters to their business and community.