How Are Gene Editing Technologies Regulated in the Agrifood System?

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter examines current governance and regulatory frameworks for gene edited agrifoods. We outline the role of international organizations, particularly the OECD, in facilitating the development of national-level policies toward gene editing. We detail the risk assessment regimes of countries with regulatory frameworks for biotechnologies, providing a summary of the current state of gene editing regulations in these countries. Our analysis places national-level regulatory frameworks into five categories: light regulation, strongly regulated and prohibited, proposed regulation, modified process, and no regulation. We describe how governing gene edited agrifoods requires balancing innovation with considerations of risk and benefits to the economy, society, and the environment. Finally, we discuss the Canadian case in greater detail to illustrate how deliberative governance has been employed in the regulation of gene edited agricultural plants.