7 February 2023
Since the hype around gene editing, and in particular CRISPR/Cas, continues to produce misunderstandings and distorted ideas about its power and utility, ENSSER has written a position statement on CRISPR/Cas. This technology is no more and no less than a method of targeting a genetic modification to a predetermined location in the genome. There is no evidence that crops and livestock animals developed using CRISPR/Cas and other gene editing techniques will fulfil the many promises being made for them. On the contrary, they pose risks that must be acknowledged, studied, and controlled through robust regulation.
This position statement was sent to the Agriculture Commission of the Dutch parliament, who held a Round Table on CRISPR/Cas on 31 January 2023.
