Join GeneBEcon’s Four Webinars on Consumer Perceptions, Crop Innovations and the GeneBeWise

GeneBEcon has launched a webinar series that explores the role of gene editing in Europe’s bioeconomy by sharing project findings, stakeholder insights and discussions on regulatory, environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of new genomic techniques

Public and Business Stakeholder Perceptions on NGT Derived Food Products
This session will present results from a consumer study across five European countries on awareness, perceptions and acceptance of NGT derived food products, highlighting differences in familiarity with NGTs versus GMOs and factors influencing consumer attitudes
• Date and time: Tues 29 April, 14:00 15:30 CEST

Virus Resistant Starch Potato for an Environmentally Friendly Agro Industry System
Experts will discuss research on gene editing to improve virus resistance and starch quality in potatoes, alongside analyses of biosafety requirements, public perceptions and economic impacts for gene edited crops
• Date and time: Tues 13 May, 14:00 15:30 CEST

Microalgae for a High Value and Zero Waste Production System
This webinar will cover gene editing approaches to boost production of high value compounds in microalgae and repurpose residual biomass as poultry feed, addressing biosafety data requirements and market drivers for a zero waste bioeconomy
• Date and time: Tues 27 May, 14:00 15:30 CEST

A Comprehensive and Versatile Gene Editing Toolbox
Researchers will share progress on a gene editing toolbox—including vectors, protocols, and advances in base editing, prime editing and homology directed repair—to support innovation in plant and microbial systems
• Date and time: Tues 10 June, 14:00 15:15 CEST

Registration is open to policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and food innovation. Visit GeneBEcon’s website to register and join these discussions on shaping the future of responsible gene editing.

Promoting Consumer Acceptance of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)

The GeneBEcon project has unveiled an engaging policy brief focused on boosting consumer acceptance of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) across Europe. Developed by an EU-funded consortium, the brief explores how NGTs can drive more sustainable agri-food systems and a circular bioeconomy, while addressing challenges like low consumer awareness and trust gaps.

A comprehensive survey was conducted in five European countries—Germany, France, Denmark, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom—with 1,000 participants per nation. This study not only gauged consumer familiarity and perceptions of NGTs but also gathered rich insights from an online focus group comprising key representatives from sectors such as farmers’ cooperatives, breeding organizations, processing industries, retail, and research.

Results show that awareness of NGTs ranges from 45.7% in Slovakia to 59.9% in Germany. When provided with clear, unbiased information, many consumers shifted to a neutral or positive stance towards these techniques. Trust levels in institutions like public health and food agencies also varied significantly, with the UK and France demonstrating higher trust compared to Slovakia. Additionally, acceptance of NGT-derived products differed by demographics, with the UK leading in willingness to purchase these innovative products. Stakeholder insights underline the need for transparent communication and a focus on consumer benefits to drive wider market uptake.

Discover the Full Story!
Dive deeper into these compelling insights and uncover how strategic communication can unlock the potential of NGTs for a sustainable future. Read the complete policy brief here.

Welcome to the Second Edition of Our Newsletter

We are excited to share the latest breakthroughs, milestones, and collaborations shaping the future of gene editing for a sustainable bioeconomy. In this issue, we highlight key advancements, insightful discussions, and what’s next for our mission.

Recently, we hosted impactful events, including the SMA Workshop, where we explored advancements in gene editing applications, and the Review Meeting, where we assessed progress and set future strategies. The Science-Policy Symposium brought together experts to bridge research and policy for responsible innovation, while the 3rd RRI Workshop focused on co-creating ethical and inclusive solutions. Our Consortium Meeting strengthened global collaboration, and our partners have published groundbreaking scientific research, further driving innovation in the field.

Looking ahead, we are committed to fostering more innovation, deeper collaboration, and greater impact. Stay tuned for upcoming activities as we continue shaping the future of sustainable biotechnology.

Read more here.

Microalgae: A Key Player in Europe’s Sustainable Bioeconomy

A new review from the GeneBEcon project was published, exploring the state of microalgae production in Europe. It examines how microalgae are cultivated, processed, and used commercially, along with the regulatory barriers that shape the industry’s future.

With 146 products from 66 producers and 49 companies providing technology and services, microalgae are used in food, feed, cosmetics, and other sectors. Their production depends on biological traits, cultivation conditions, and processing technologies, with a focus on optimizing resource use and integrating industrial waste streams.

The review uncovers key factors influencing sustainable production, from biological traits and cultivation methods to industrial waste integration. Advances in genomic techniques and bioprocessing are improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact, but EU regulations still present hurdles for scaling up.

Microalgae play a role in the EU’s Green Deal, supporting alternative proteins, bioplastics, biofuels, and wastewater treatment. Strategic investments in genomics, bioreactors, and bioprocessing could expand the sector further.

The full review provides a detailed analysis of the current landscape, the challenges ahead, and the developments shaping the future of microalgae production in Europe. Read more to understand the key trends and opportunities in the sector.

Read it here.

From Research to Policy: Insights from GeneBEcon’s 5th Consortium Meeting

The 5th GeneBEcon Consortium Meeting brought partners and stakeholders together in Berlin to assess progress, strategize for the project’s final phase, and explore ways to maximize the impact of its results. Highlights included insightful presentations from project partners, updates from the Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB), and sessions on advancing the project’s Key Exploitable Results. Partners also refined the NGT Transition Action Plan in a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Workshop facilitated by XPRO Consulting. This plan outlines short-, medium-, and long-term actions to boost awareness of new genomic techniques (NGTs) and counter misinformation across diverse stakeholders, including farmers, the food industry, policymakers, and NGOs.

Participants also engaged in an Exploitation Workshop with external advisors and the Horizon Booster Service, focusing on strategies to sustain the project’s impact beyond its conclusion. The consortium’s work on systems mapping was another focal point, offering frameworks to connect GeneBEcon’s research with policy pathways and practical applications in sustainable agriculture and plant breeding.

Turning Innovation into Action: Explore Key Takeaways from GeneBEcon’s Exploitation

The recent GeneBEcon Exploitation Workshop brought together external stakeholders and Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) members to review and advance the project’s exploitation strategies. During this collaborative session, participants explored the Key Exploitable Results (KERs) presented by project partners and assessed their broader potential within the agricultural value chain. By focusing on strengths and challenges, the workshop aimed to solidify robust, targeted exploitation plans that will drive the practical impact of new genomic techniques (NGTs) across sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy sectors.

Insights from this workshop will be instrumental in aligning GeneBEcon’s goals with real-world applications, ensuring that the project’s outcomes meet the demands of various stakeholders.

The Final RRI Workshop: Advancing the NGT Transition Action Plan

The third and final Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) workshop on the NGT Transition Action Plan, designed and facilitated by XPRO Consulting Limited, took place on 25 October 2024 in Berlin during the 5th Consortium Meeting.

This interactive session brought together the Stakeholder Advisory Board, external stakeholders, and GeneBEcon partners to evaluate and refine the proposed Transition Action Plan for new genomic techniques (NGTs). Participants analyzed actions and their interdependencies across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons, focusing on six key stakeholder groups: farmer associations, breeder associations, the food industry, consumer associations, policymakers, and NGOs.

The workshop aimed at addressing the challenges of misinformation and disinformation, affirming the plan’s strategic direction. Attendees emphasized the importance of inclusive discussions, mutual learning, and actionable steps to enhance NGT awareness and sustainable plant breeding. Building on these insights, the GeneBEcon team at XPRO Consulting is now finalizing the Transition Action Plan, which will result into six specific NGTs Transition Pathways, one for each stakeholder group.

Shaping EU Policy on Genomic Techniques: Explore Key Insights from GeneBEcon’s SAB Workshop

The recent GeneBEcon Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) workshop brought together experts from Plants for the Future, Euroseeds, and ILVO to assess the strategic gathering focused on the progress of the EU legislative proposal concerning plants developed through new genomic techniques (NGTs) and provided a comprehensive update on GeneBEcon’s ongoing systems mapping work.

Participants received a detailed briefing on the project’s latest advancements, with an emphasis on how systems mapping applies to the GeneBEcon project’s objectives. This SAB workshop underscored the importance of aligning insights from stakeholders and research partners, solidifying GeneBEcon’s commitment to making informed contributions to EU policy for sustainable agriculture and plant breeding.