Free webinar explores progression of precision breeding
Farmers are invited to attend a free webinar about precision-bred crops, including updates on legislation around the technology, and the opportunity to become one of the first farmers across Europe to grow them.
Organised by partners in the PROBITY project, the online event will take place on Wednesday 16th April from 8.30 to 9.30am via Zoom.
PROBITY – a Platform to Rate Organisms Bred for Improved Traits and Yield – is a three-year, £2.2m farmer-led project, funded by Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme which is delivered by Innovate UK. It is led by the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) with 11 partner organisations.
Professor Cristóbal Uauy, Director designate of the John Innes Centre, will outline how scientists use precision breeding techniques such as gene editing to develop innovative crop traits, and the potential benefits this could bring sustainable food and farming.
Professor Nigel Halford of Rothamsted Research, Dr Dylan Phillips of Aberystwyth University and Tom Allen-Stevens of BOFIN will discuss the implications of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act and the recently drafted secondary legislation. They will also discuss upcoming opportunities for arable farmers in England to get involved in the PROBITY project.
Finally, Tom Allen-Stevens will be joined by fellow farmer Paul Temple who was involved in the GM field-scale evaluations around 25 years ago. Paul will share his experiences and why he supports the development of precision-bred crops in England.
Tom Allen-Stevens said: “With potential benefits including enhanced nutrient efficiency, better resistance to pests and disease, improved nutrition and reduced environmental impact, it’s essential that we explore this technology further through on-farm trials.
“I encourage all farmers to join our webinar, invest in their knowledge, ask questions and then continue the discussion afterwards via our online Sequence Circle community.”
There are two novel wheat lines currently being multiplied up for seed which will be available to for up to 20 growers to drill this autumn. A precision-bred barley will be available for planting on around five farms in spring 2026.
All farmers are encouraged to take the #PROBITYPledge by spending an hour finding out about precision-bred crops and bringing their views to the Sequence Circle. These are being analysed by University of Nottingham and will feed into recommendations on how precision-bred crops are taken forward in England. Find out more at www.bofin.org.uk/probitypledge
Register for your free place on the webinar at: https://tinyurl.com/precisionbreeding