Tag: EU regulations

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.

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.

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.