Precision Breeding Act: Final 'Secondary' Legislation Passed

Yesterday (13/5/25), the final ‘secondary’ legislation required to implement the Precision Breeding Act for plants in England passed its final legislative stage. This will now fully unlock the benefits of the Act which became law in March 2023.

Following a six-month World Trade Organization (WTO) implementation period, the new regulatory framework will commence on 14 November 2025. From this date, marketing applications can be submitted for approval to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Since 2023, AIC has worked closely with like-minded trade bodies, scientists, and politicians to urge the Government to establish a clear timetable for implementing this legislation.

AIC has played a central role in partnering with the Government in recent years to introduce this landmark legislation. This involvement has included providing evidence to Bill and Select Committees and explaining the market dynamics of how it can operate.

Reappointment to Precision Breeding Working Group

AIC has recently been reappointed by Ministers as a member of the Government's Precision Breeding Working Group. This group helps to:

• Identify challenges and opportunities for precision breeding
• Discuss how to facilitate routes to market
• Get initial products on retail shelves for consumers
• Address how products can be traded within the UK and the EU

This will remain AIC’s priority, especially regarding guidance for businesses.

Response to EU-UK Agreement Concerns

In response to reports suggesting that an EU-UK Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Veterinary Agreement may hinder the final implementation of the Precision Breeding Act, AIC has been clear that the two can operate independently.

Not only is the EU developing its own gene editing legislative proposals (new Genomic Techniques), but the approach taken in England should serve as a model for how a regulatory framework can work. AIC remains closely engaged with Government on the detail on this.