This new report provides a multifaceted overview of the state-of-the-art scientific evidence with respect to safety of genome-edited crops and their possible potential to provide solutions to current and future agricultural challenges. Issues related to intellectual property and traceability of genome-edited crops and how this will likely affect international trade of food and feed, are also addressed. The report explores paths to harmonise EU legislation with recent scientific developments, while particularly considering relevant ethical and societal facets.

On the very first World CRISPR Day, we celebrated what we achieved as a scientific community with CRISPR. Synthego virtually brought together both academic and industrial genome engineering experts to provide insights, practical methods to apply in the lab, and envision how CRISPR can contribute to a sustainable future. In this article we highlight the agricultural topics that were touched during this symposium.

On 7th October 2020, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. Ever since the development of these so-called ‘genetic scissors’ in 2012, plant biotechnologists have embraced this cutting-edge technology to drive scientific innovation for a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. The recognition of this genome editing tool by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences resonates with our belief that CRISPR has revolutionized life sciences in a way that greatly benefits mankind. No doubt, this historical news will trigger Europe to reconsider its stand on genome editing for the future of agriculture.