Outputs
Project Outcomes
Biosafety data requirements
This document provides the data compiled for regulatory risk assessment, which is essential for making informed decisions on plant or product authorization. These data are prerequisites for any safety evaluation using a comparative approach, following internationally agreed commitments.
The data requirements vary according to the six regulatory options defined in the GeneBEcon project (referred to as Options 1-6). Overall, data generation involves variable resources, which are expressed as ‘monetary costs’ for comparative purposes and socio-economic evaluation.
Access the D1.1 – Report on biosafety data requirements. Read more here
Read the Policy Brief based on an extensive report on biosafety data requirements here
Regulatory assessment
Technical report “Regulatory Options for New Genomic Techniques in the European Union” – Read More
In this document we have provided six options considering the potential regulatory design of such changes. These options also cover the widest spectrum of possibilities, ranging from working within the framework of the current legislation (Option 1) to streamlining NGT regulatory design with one of the other acts on risk regulation in the EU (Option 6). We included in the development of our six regulatory options for NGTs the following regulatory tools: (A) Authorisation; (B) Post-approval / Postmarket-requirements; (C) Labelling; (D) Traceability; (E) Implications as Incentives (EU / International / Liability / Economic Impact); and (F) Future Proof.
Access the D1.6 – NGT Policy Directions – A policy-based report will provide background and highlight necessary policy directions. Read more here
Read the Policy Brief based on an extensive report on NGT Policy Direstions here
Economic assessment
More information coming soon.
System Map
The system mapping process began with a workshop in March 2023, followed by the second workshop in April 2024.
The 1st System Map Workshop
The key results from the first are:
- There are many elements that are important to think about when introducing NGT-derived organisms in the European bioeconomy. These can be grouped in four subsystems: 1) Economic, 2) Ecological, 3) Social, and 4) Regulatory.
- Everything is connected. Elements influence each other within groups, as well as between subsystems. When one element changes, this will impact the whole system.
Read the report on the GeneBEcon´s First Systems Approach workshop [link]
The 2nd System Map Workshop
The results from the second workshop are:
- Impact of NGTs on conventional farmers:
- NGTs could offer several benefits: it is a tool to adapt to climate change, improve yields, reduce pesticide and water use, and reduce costs.
- However, several concerns remain: studies researching the effects of NGTs on pesticide reduction find mixed results, and there are risks of seed price inflation due to market monopolization.
- Important needs stated by farmers are: transparency, labelling, and traceability to safeguard their freedom to choose whether or not to use NGT seeds.
2. Impact of NGTs on R&D actors:
- NGTs could offer several benefits, namely faster, more precise, and more cost-effective research, also allowing smaller companies to innovate; it could foster innovation in farming R&D and strengthen European R&D’s global competitiveness.
- There are several concerns: Risks of monopolization and inflated costs if regulations on patenting are inadequate.
- Important needs stated by R&D actors include a coherent regulatory framework that is fit for the purpose.
3. Impact of NGTs on citizens:
- NGTs could offer several benefits: NGTs could support the ambition for a sustainable bioeconomy, reducing pollution, and providing healthier, more affordable food options.
- However, several concerns remain: There is uncertainty about the long-term environmental and societal impacts, and investing in NGTs might be a superficial solution that does not solve the structural agricultural challenges.
- Important needs for citizens are: Transparency, freedom of choice, and mandatory labelling to ensure public trust and acceptance.
Read the report on the GeneBEcon´s Second Systems Approach workshop [link]
Access some diagrams developed with the results of the workshop, below:
Consumer and stakeholder perception
The GeneBEcon research on consumer and stakeholder acceptance explores how New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) are received, understood, and accepted by various audiences.
It will focus on consumer acceptance of biobased products derived from NGTs, using representative consumer surveys conducted in five European countries. Additionally, a qualitative focus group discussion will be held with key agri-food chain stakeholders who may develop, use, or sell NGT-derived products in Europe.
The research will assess current and anticipated levels of understanding of this technology and propose strategies to raise awareness and create a positive environment for the adoption of NGTs.
Access the GeneBEcon Consumer Acceptance poster here.
Access the Report on consumer and stakeholder acceptance of NGTs here.
Advancing NGTs in R&I for microalgae and potato
This document outlines the development of a publicly accessible Toolbox, designed for broad applicability beyond just potato and microalgae, extending its utility to other organisms and species. To ensure global compatibility, sustainable access, and transparent documentation, all plasmids will be based on internationally standardized cloning vector systems.
Access the D2.1 – Preliminary toolbox for gene editing – the creation of the preliminary Toolbox, which includes the first version containing existing protocols for plant transfection and regeneration used by EV-ILVO, SLU, and INRAE for gene editing in various crops. Additionally, it provides information on 76 plasmids designed for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas elements. Read more here
Innovating the Production Processes
The GeneBEcon project is dedicated to innovating production processes by investigating how New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) can drive advancements in energy-efficient, low-input, and zero-pollution agricultural production and industrial processing.
One of the crops under investigation in the project is the microalgae Chlorella, with the goal of extracting Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs) for pharmaceutical and other relevant applications. The project will develop a gentle extraction method that avoids harsh chemicals, enabling the residual biomass to be utilized as animal feed.
Access the D3.1 – Report on upscaling of WT microalgae strain – This report describes the upscaling of wild type Chlorella microalgae from a few millilitres to pilot scale production in a 250 liter photobioreactor. Read more here
Communication and Engagement
The Initial Communication and Engagement Plan outlines the project’s communication objectives and strategy. It details the target audiences and stakeholders, key messages to be conveyed, and the tools and channels to be utilized. Additionally, it includes a three-year action plan and the engagement strategy for GeneBEcon.
Access the D4.1 – Initial Communication and Engagement Plan – to describe the strategy that will be used by GeneBEcon partners to ensure that the vision and mission of the project, as well as its progress and outcomes are communicated to a wide range of audiences. Read more here
Scientific Articles
Purnhagen, K., Ambrogio, Y., Bartsch, D. et al. Options for regulating new genomic techniques for plants in the European Union. Nat. Plants (2023).
Van Nerom, S., Buyse, K., Van Immerseel, F., Robbens, J., Delezie, E.. Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing of microalga Chlorella vulgaris and its digestibility in broiler feed. Poultry Science (2024).
Van Nerom S, Coleman B, De Baets R, Van Immerseel F, Robbens J, Delezie E. Microalgae as feed additives in poultry: A review on the health-promoting effects. Algal Research. (2024).
Jin Y, Kristkova ZS, Kardung M, Wesseler J. Impacts of accelerating agricultural R&D transfer on global food security. GM Crops & Food. (2024).
Van Nerom, S., Buyse, K., Van Immerseel, F., Robbens, J., & Delezie, E. Exploring Feed Digestibility and Broiler Performance in Response to Dietary Supplementation of Chlorella vulgaris. Animals, 15(1), 65. (2024).
Gallego, I., Medic, N., Pedersen, J. S., Ramasamy, P. K., Robbens, J., Vereecke, E., & Romeis, J. . The microalgal sector in Europe: Towards a sustainable bioeconomy. New Biotechnology. (2025).
Project Material
Press Release
- NGT Biosafety Data Requirements | September 2024
- NGT Policy Directions | March 2024
- GeneBEcon Midterm Symposium | February 2024
- EU Parliament adopts legislative proposal for NGTs | February 2024
- New HORIZON EUROPE project on gene editing in plants | September 2022
- Options for Regulating New Genomic Techniques for Plants in the European Union | December 2023
- EU Commission proposal on New Genomic Techniques published | July 2023