By Jamie Martin
A federal court ruling has put the future of gene-edited crops in limbo, reinstating regulations that complicate approval processes for genetically engineered (GE) plants.
The decision, issued by Judge James Donato, reverses the SECURE rule, a science-backed regulatory framework designed to streamline the evaluation of new crop varieties.
The SECURE rule, introduced in 2020 by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), focused on product safety rather than the genetic modification process itself. It provided a risk-based evaluation of GE crops, ensuring they met safety standards without further bureaucratic hurdles.
Judge Donato’s ruling, however, vacates the SECURE rule, citing insufficient justification for considering gene-edited crops safe. This decision aligns with anti-GE advocacy groups that have long opposed the use of modern genetic engineering in agriculture.
The decision has drawn criticism from scientists, agricultural experts, and policymakers who argue that gene-editing techniques like CRISPR are precise, safe, and essential for improving crop resilience, sustainability, and global food security.
CRISPR technology, which won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, enables targeted genetic modifications that enhance crop performance without introducing foreign DNA.
Regulatory agencies, including the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Research Council (NRC), have consistently supported product-based assessments, emphasizing that GE crops pose no greater risk than conventionally bred plants.
Opponents to the ruling, say it disregards decades of research and risks slowing progress in agricultural biotechnology.
“Nobody is thirsty for unnecessary additives,” Judge Donato stated, underscoring his stance against genetic modifications in food production.
The impact of this ruling is significant -
- Longer approval timelines for gene-edited crops
- Higher regulatory costs for biotechnology firms and farmers
- Potential setbacks in agricultural innovation and food security
With the SECURE rule overturned, USDA officials must now reconsider regulations governing genetic engineering in crops. Legal experts predict appeals, or new legislative measures could restore science-based regulations.
As the debate continues, the future of genetically engineered crops remains uncertain. Farmers, researchers, and policymakers will need to advocate for regulations that balance safety with innovation, ensuring that scientific advancements in agriculture benefit food security and sustainability worldwide.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: National