Rethinking gene-edited crop regulation: advancing a Principle-based framework for modern biotechnology governance

Saarani Vengadesen; Mohammad Firdaus Bin Abdul Aziz; Michael G. K. Jones

doi:10.1080/21645698.2025.2576734

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Rethinking gene-edited crop regulation: advancing a Principle-based framework for modern biotechnology governance

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Rethinking gene-edited crop regulation: advancing a Principle-based framework for modern biotechnology governance

Saarani Vengadesen, Mohammad Firdaus Bin Abdul Aziz and Michael G. K. Jones

GM crops & food, Vol.16(1), pp.852-869

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2025.2576734

PMID: 41243435

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Abstract

Agriculture - legislation & jurisprudence

Biotechnology - legislation & jurisprudence

Crops, Agricultural - genetics

European Union

Gene Editing - legislation & jurisprudence

Plants, Genetically Modified - genetics

Gene editing (GEd) technologies are rapidly transforming agricultural biotechnology; however, their regulatory treatment remains ambiguous under international instruments such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB), which was originally developed for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This regulatory uncertainty creates challenges for product developers and regulators. This study critically examines the role of the Precautionary Principle (PP) in governing emerging genetic technologies. While the PP underpins the CPB, its interpretation, particularly in the European Union, has been criticized for creating legal barriers that have delayed the adoption of beneficial technologies. In contrast, a Principle-Based Approach (PBA) provides a more adaptive governance framework, grounded in high-level principles that enable flexibility with evolving scientific evidence. Through a review of global regulatory trends, this study identifies jurisdictional challenges and contrasts the theoretical and practical implications of the PP and PBA. It concludes with policy recommendations advocating a hybrid model integrating precaution and principle-based flexibility.

Details

Title: Rethinking gene-edited crop regulation: advancing a Principle-based framework for modern biotechnology governance
Authors/Creators: Saarani Vengadesen - Faculty
Mohammad Firdaus Bin Abdul Aziz - Faculty
Michael G. K. Jones - Murdoch University, Centre for Crop and Food Innovation
Publication Details: GM crops & food, Vol.16(1), pp.852-869
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.; ABINGDON
Number of pages: 18
Identifiers: 991005830345507891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Crop and Food Innovation; Food Futures Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#12 Responsible Consumption & Production

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: No Topic Assigned; No Topic Assigned; No Topic Assigned
Web Of Science research areas: Agronomy; Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology; Plant Sciences
ESI research areas: Agricultural Sciences