When using conventional methods, it usually takes relatively long to breed new plant varieties with favourable characteristics. On the other hand, precision breeding with genetic scissors such as CRISPR-Cas can significantly accelerate this process. However, the current interpretation of the European legislation prevents the use of genome editing in the European Union. European scientists are now appealing to the newly elected European Parliament and the European Commission to simplify the use of new methods for improving cultivated plants in order to enable the development of sustainable agriculture in Europe.
Click here for original story, Scientists call for modernization of EU gene-editing legislation
Source: Phys.org