The recent GeneBEcon Science-Policy Symposium held in Berlin, organized by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) and Agroscope, brought together experts and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the regulatory and socio-economic implications of new genomic techniques (NGTs). The event highlighted the central role of NGTs in advancing sustainable agriculture and supporting the transition towards a circular bioeconomy in Europe.
With contributions from the GeneBEcon project, the symposium featured presentations on regulatory perspectives, risk assessment, and insights into how these techniques can reshape the agricultural landscape. Representatives from law, bioeconomy, and risk analysis presented findings, emphasizing the importance of policy frameworks that support innovative plant breeding methods and genome editing to unlock the potential of NGTs sustainably.
This event also included discussions with the Stakeholder Advisory Board, focusing on the GeneBEcon project’s systems mapping approach and exploring strategies for the final months of the project. The Swiss Embassy in Germany hosted a session tailored to German-speaking policymakers, allowing deeper engagement and regional policy alignment.
GeneBEcon’s initiative is critical for harmonizing science, policy, and public engagement in the bioeconomy and the broader scope of sustainable agricultural practices. The project continues to drive impact by aligning scientific progress with societal and regulatory needs, paving the way for NGTs to contribute meaningfully to Europe’s green transition.
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