Gene editing and the good food sector

Slow Food in the UK and A Bigger Conversation invite producers and businesses in the artisan, craft and quality food sectors to a free, 90 minute online roundtable discussion around new UK gene editing legislation. 

Thursday, 25 April,  2pm.

Find out more and register

What’s the issue?

Growing, selling and importing gene edited food is now legal in England (and by extension the rest of the UK), but this important fact does not have to be declared on the label. 

The lack of labelling and traceability through the food system is problematic for ethical producers and shoppers. Research suggest that people in the UK are highly opposed to gene edited and genetically modified foods. The majority of respondents (85%) to Defra’s public consultation on proposals for the new law stated they opposed this change.

What’s on the menu?

This free online discussion aims to help artisan, craft and quality food producers understand and engage with the new legislation, upcoming changes and their negative impact. 

Topics for discussion may include:

• What does this mean for producers, retailers and the artisan sector, particularly for those who purchase from very small producers who may produce to organic standards but may not have organic audit trails? 
• What does it mean for businesses that export, including to Ireland and the wider EU market – which currently demands labelling for both genetically modified and gene edited food products? 
• What is the timeline for these changes, and what is happening with animals (and therefore animal products) from 2025?

The session will also provide space for producers to air their views on: gene editing; how terms like artisan and traditional should be defined; the importance of provenance and the story of individual producers / brands; customer expectations; and how technological interventions such as gene editing may influence these things.

The session will be led by Pat Thomas, Director of A Bigger Conversation and Shane Holland, Executive Chairman of Slow Food in the UK.

See also

• New report argues for greater citizen engagement on gene editing regulations
• Gene editing deregulation - Sustain members and House of Lords share concerns
• Supermarkets urged to reject gene edited foods