Tuesday, September 13th 2016
The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) wants to build public trust in the use of gene editing in agriculture and food production and is developing a coalition to help. CFI CEO Charlie Arnot says since the GMO debate began there is a growing demand for accurate information on gene editing technology and its benefits. “It can improve animal health and well-being, it can improve resistance to disease and avoid painful procedures increase desirable traits, and do so in a way that replicates what nature could do in many cases.” says Arnot. The proposed Coalition for Responsible Gene Editing in Agriculture will bring together industry experts from several agricultural sectors to develop guidelines and address areas of concern like food safety, sustainability, animal well-being, and environmental factors. Arnot says transparency in technological research will be a key factor in building public trust. Last year, Science Magazine reported gene editing technology has the potential to improve animal health by building disease resistance and can increase agricultural productivity and sustainability to meet growing food demands.