Genetic Scissors – a powerful tool to reach sustainability goals

Last changed: 23 October 2024
Cover of policy brief

Genetic scissors are biological tools that researchers use to make precise changes in the genomes of organisms. With genetic scissors, plant breeders can develop crops with traits that are more environmentally friendly and better adapted to a changing climate, much faster compared to using conventional plant breeding. The tool could contribute to more sustainable agriculture, and help us reach the goals of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. For this to happen, the EU legislation needs to be revised.

Future crops, which for example contain more nutrients, can be grown with less impact on the environment or are adapted to different climates, are pieces of the puzzle for achieving the goals set out in the European Green Deal, the EU food strategy Farm to Fork and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

In plant breeding, genetic variation is needed to develop crop varieties with desirable traits. Genetic variation originates from mutations that occur spontaneously and randomly in the DNA of all organisms. It is also a prerequisite for evolution and biodiversity. Since the 1930s, random mutations in plant breeding have been induced, first with ionizing radiation and later also with chemical substances. According to the EU definition, plants produced using these classic mutation techniques are counted as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but are exempt from the EU GMO legislation.