The much-anticipated findings from the recent government consultation on genetic technologies are due soon. The current legislation dates from before the human genome was sequenced in 2003, and our understanding of metabolic pathways has increased significantly since that time. As a result there is a lack of clarity in the regulations.

Reforms to legislation that reflect the diversity in new genomic technologies has the potential to stimulate or stifle innovation.

At this timely Agri-TechE event, pioneers in a range of different technologies will be explaining their approaches and discussing the potential impact of new legislation.

Including:

• Biocleave is using single-cell organisms as bio-factories for the synthesis of semiochemicals used by plants and insects for self-defence and communication
• Beta Bugs is creating improved breeds of black soldier fly to enhance animal feeds, using the insects’ own metabolic pathways to create proteins for food ingredients, bio-materials and fuel
• Tropic Biosciences is using a gene editing technique to speed up trait acquisition and help growers address critical challenges in protecting crops, increasing their resilience to adverse events
• Roslin Institute has shown the ability to use gene editing to provide immunity from disease, preventing contagion of respiratory disease in pigs

Other speakers from the James Hutton Institute and department of Livestock Informatics at SRUC will talk about potatoes and livestock respectively.

At this virtual event we will have an update on where advanced breeding is helping harness new and ancient traits as well as exploring the regulatory landscape for their management and application.

Come and join an informative and inspirational meeting of minds.