Drought-resistant crops could be banned under Labour’s EU reset deal, it has been revealed.
An easing of restrictions on precision-bred organisms (PBOs) has been highlighted by key Leave supporters as a post-Brexit benefit.
The process, which involves inserting new genes into crops, such as wheat, barley or potatoes, can be used to improve the robustness of crops, which could in turn make them more resilient to drought conditions.
However, under Sir Keir Starmer’s previous talks with the EU, Britain could be forced to impose tougher restrictions on PBOs, in line with Brussels regulations.
A new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between the UK and EU would mean fewer checks, restrictions and paperwork on exports of food to the Continent, streamlining the process for British businesses selling to the bloc.
However, under the proposed deal, the UK would need to follow European rules on food safety, which includes a ban on PBOs.
Labour MP for South Norfolk Ben Goldsborough told The Telegraph the issue was a “real red line” for himself and his constituents, as well as backbenchers who represent rural constituencies.
He said: “In our future SPS agreement with the EU, we must not blink on precision breeding. We’re going to see more extremes of weather, more drought conditions, more flood conditions, which all make the issue of pests and disease even worse.
“We’ve got first mover advantage in the world, and we need to protect it to the hilt.”
Farmers have been struggling with drought conditions
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British scientists have been working to develop food technology since Brexit.
Among the crops currently in development are bananas that do not go brown and tastier salad leaves.
As farmers deal with disappointing yields due to higher than average temperatures, agricultural scientists are looking to develop pest-resistant and drought-resistant plants.
This includes disease-proof potatoes, more nutritious cow feed, and healthier flour.
Andy Burnham held a COBRA meeting to discuss the ongoing heatwave
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Discovery leader at Rothamsted Research Prof Johnathan Napier said: “The need for drought-tolerant crops is staring us in the face, with yields this year already significantly decreased.
“Currently, we don’t know any details about how the new EU regulations might be implemented and we have no mechanism to influence EU deliberations.
“Crucially, the EU’s new position on gene editing is more restrictive than the UK’s.
“This seems like a very backward step and one that is depressing for all of us who are trying to develop crops that are resilient to drought and tolerant to more challenging climates.”
A summit between Sir Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen was scheduled
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GETTYUnder current Brussels rules, precision-bred crops are effectively classified as genetically modified, meaning they are all but outlawed across the bloc, which voted in June to end the ban, but new rules which allow them to be developed in Europe will not come into effect until 2028.
A Government spokesman said: “We are clear that precision breeding offers a huge potential to boost food security, cut pesticide use, increase crop yields and enhance disease resistance.
“The EU has accepted that there needs to be a number of areas where we need to retain our own rules. We are negotiating those now and won’t provide a running commentary on negotiations.
“What we will do is secure a deal worth up to £5.1billion a year for the British economy and deliver the best outcome for the British people.”