The Precision Breeding Act 2023: A New Era for UK Hemp Farming

Introduction: A Landmark Shift in UK Agriculture

The Precision Breeding Act 2023 marks the most significant change to the UK's agricultural biotechnology regulations in over two decades. By creating a new, streamlined regulatory pathway for gene-edited organisms, the Act unlocks a new era of crop innovation for England. This legislation is a direct result of the UK's departure from the EU, allowing it to establish its own rules that differentiate precision breeding from genetic modification (GMO).

For the UK's burgeoning industrial hemp sector, this is a game-changer. It allows companies like Precision Plants to use cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR to develop new hemp varieties tailored for UK conditions, focusing on valuable traits for fibre and seed production. You can read the full legislation on the official government portal here.

What the Act Means for UK Farming

The central principle of the Act is that if a genetic change could have been produced naturally or through traditional breeding methods, it should not be subjected to the stringent, lengthy, and expensive regulatory process designed for GMOs. This creates a more proportionate and science-based framework.

"This legislation will attract investment and drive innovation, helping us to grow more resilient, nutritious, and productive crops. It is a vital tool in ensuring our food security and environmental resilience."

Key Provisions of the Act

Defining 'Precision Bred Organisms'

The Act carefully defines a precision bred organism (PBO) as one whose genetic material has been altered in a way that could have arisen from traditional processes. This clearly distinguishes them from transgenic GMOs, which contain DNA from a different species. This definition is crucial for creating a separate, science-led regulatory tier.

A New Public Register

Instead of the old GMO approval process, a new public register for PBOs is being established. Developers must notify the government with information about the organism and the specific genetic changes, ensuring transparency. This process is managed by Defra, as outlined in their official guidance.

Food & Feed Safety

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will continue to oversee the safety of food and feed derived from PBOs. However, the assessments will be proportionate to the risk, acknowledging that these organisms do not present the same novel challenges as transgenic GMOs.

Impact on UK Hemp Farmers

For UK hemp farmers, the Precision Breeding Act unlocks tangible benefits and addresses long-standing challenges. The ability to cultivate precision-bred hemp varieties developed with our StackaTrait™ technology will be transformative.

• Guaranteed THC Compliance: The biggest risk for UK hemp farmers is a crop exceeding the 0.2% THC limit, which can lead to crop destruction and financial loss. Precision breeding can create genetically stable, non-narcotic varieties where THC production is effectively switched off, eliminating this risk.
• Enhanced Fibre & Seed Yields: We can now focus on developing varieties with significantly improved yields and quality for high-value end markets like textiles, composites, and nutrition.
• Climate Resilience: Varieties can be bred to be more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases common in the UK, reducing input costs and improving harvest reliability. Explore the benefits for farmers.
• New Market Opportunities: Access to superior, consistent, and compliant raw materials will stimulate growth in the entire UK hemp supply chain, from processing to manufacturing. See our overview of hemp uses.

Implementation Timeline

Our Technology: StackaTrait™

Discover how Precision Plants is using gene editing to develop the next generation of industrial hemp varieties for UK farmers.

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Opportunities for UK Agritech

The Precision Breeding Act cements the UK's position as a world leader in agricultural technology and innovation, creating a fertile ground for investment and growth.