North Norfolk MP Steff Aquarone highlighted the potential for gene-edited crops to revolutionise farming in a speech to the House of Commons last week.
Speaking in the Inheritance Tax debate on Monday 10th February Mr Aquarone emphasised the importance of local farmers as custodians of the environment and key contributors to the rural economy.
The MP pointed out that North Norfolk’s proximity to the Norwich Research Park makes it an ideal testing ground for advancements in gene editing of crops. He said: “Family farms in Norfolk are the perfect test bed for the latest in gene editing of crops, which can bring about higher yields, smaller carbon footprints and less need for pesticides.”
Mr Aquarone’s speech comes as the UK government progresses secondary legislation to support precision breeding techniques. The PROBITY project, launched in 2024, aims to bring precision-bred cereal varieties onto commercial farms in England for the first time in Europe.
Farmers and other agricultural professionals are encouraged to join the #PROBITYPledge campaign to engage in discussions about precision-bred crops. To take part and learn more visit www.bofin.org.uk/probitypledge