The regulation of genetic technologies

This consultation is about the regulation of genetic technologies. It mainly focuses on the regulation of gene edited (GE) organisms possessing genetic changes which could have been introduced by traditional breeding. This is covered in part 1 of the consultation. In part 2 of the consultation, we are using this opportunity to engage separately and start gathering views on the wider regulatory framework governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Depending on the results of part 1, Defra may change the legislation to amend the definition of a GMO as it applies in England. Currently GMOs are defined in section 106 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 [1] . This would mean that this legislation does not apply to organisms produced by gene editing (GE) and other genetic technologies if they could have been developed using traditional breeding methods. The responses from part 2 of the consultation will be used to inform po