Tag: NGTs

Aligning Science, Policy, and Practice: Key Outcomes from the GeneBEcon Symposium

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.

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.

agricultural innovation bioeconomy Consortium Meeting EU Horizon Europe exploitation strategy gene editing GeneBecon Key Exploitable Results NEW Genomic Techniques NGT Transition Action Plan NGTs policy impact Responsible Research and Innovation RRI workshop stakeholder engagement sustainable agriculture systems mapping

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.

agricultural innovation bioeconomy EU Horizon Europe exploitation strategy Exploitation Workshop gene editing GeneBecon KERs Key Exploitable Results NEW Genomic Techniques NGTs Plant breeding stakeholder engagement sustainable agriculture

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.

agricultural innovation bioeconomy disinformation EU policy gene editing GeneBecon Horizon Europe misinformation NEW Genomic Techniques NGT Transition Action Plan NGTs Plant breeding Responsible Research and Innovation RRI workshop stakeholder engagement sustainable agriculture XPRO Consulting

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.

agricultural innovation bioeconomy EU legislative proposal EU policy Euroseeds gene editing GeneBecon GeneBEcon Consortium Meeting ILVO NEW Genomic Techniques NGTs Plant breeding Plants for the Future regulatory developments SAB workshop Stakeholder Advisory Board stakeholder engagement sustainable agriculture systems mapping

GeneBEcon’s Debut Newsletter in NGTs Research for Potato and Microalgae and Highlighting Activities

GeneBEcon, funded by the European Commission, has launched its inaugural newsletter, showcasing groundbreaking advancements in New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) research for potato and microalgae. Through collaborative efforts, the GeneBEcon consortium partners have devised approaches to harness the potential of NGTs, revolutionizing sustainable practices in agriculture and biotechnology.

Key Highlights:
1. NGTS Research in Potato and Microalgae
2. GeneBEcon collaboration and approach to get benefit from NGTs
3. GeneBEcon’s 18-Month Highlights

GeneBEcon’s inaugural newsletter provides an overview of its efforts in New Genomic Techniques research and application. By harnessing the collective expertise of its consortium partners and pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation, GeneBEcon is poised to lead the way in shaping a more sustainable future for agriculture and biotechnology. Stay tuned for more updates and breakthroughs from GeneBEcon!

Read GeneBEcon’s 1st Newsletter here.

CORDIS European Comission European Union GeneBecon NEW Genomic Techniques NGTs Plant breeding

How should the products of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) be regulated in the EU?

The European Union (EU) is at the forefront of discussions regarding the regulation of products derived from New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), such as CRISPR-Cas9. GeneBEcon through this policy brief aims to provide insights into key regulatory, technical, social, and ethical considerations relevant to the ongoing EU discourse. Drawing upon the comprehensive report published by GeneBEcon, this brief offers guidance for policymakers, developers, and stakeholders involved in shaping the regulatory landscape for NGT products within the EU.

This Policy Brief is based on an extensive report by GeneBEcon, read more here.

Read “GeneBEcon Policy Brief – New Genomic Techniques Policy Directions” here.

Read the Press Release here.

CORDIS European Comission European Union GeneBecon NEW Genomic Techniques NGTs Plant breeding

GeneBEcon’s 2nd RRI Workshop on NGT Challenges

On February 21, 2024, in Brussels, GeneBEcon organized the 2nd Responsible Research & Innovation Workshop to address weaknesses and threats associated with New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), identified during the 1st RRI workshop in November. Participants collaborated to devise I-SMART* actions aimed at transforming challenges into strengths and opportunities.
The workshop, organized by GeneBEcon, centred on leveraging NGTs for agricultural and aquacultural solutions, aligned with the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. The overarching objective was to employ Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles to craft an NGT Transition Action Plan, enhancing NGT desirability and value in agricultural and industrial sectors.
The workshop facilitated continued collaboration in defining NGT transition actions, aiming to address the identified weaknesses and threats while maximizing the potential of NGTs in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and supporting environmental goals outlined in the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.

*I-SMART: I = Impact on social objective, Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Time-bound

CORDIS European Comission European Union GeneBecon NEW Genomic Techniques NGTs Plant breeding

GeneBEcon Midterm Symposium held in Brussels on 20th, 2024!

On February 20th, 2024, the GeneBEcon Midterm Symposium was held in Brussels, the seat of the current New Genomic Techniques (NGT) EU legislation discussion. With close to 80 attendees, comprising project partners, stakeholders from various agri-food value chains, and policymakers, the event marked a significant milestone in advancing the dialogue surrounding NGTs legislation and the transformative potential of sustainable agriculture.

Throughout the event, participants explored the project’s progress, with sessions dedicated to dissecting the implications of different regulatory options on biosafety data requirements and socio-economic dynamics. Case studies showcasing tangible applications of NGTs, including virus-resistant potatoes and microalgae for high-value compound production, underscored the potential of these technologies to drive innovation in the agri-food sector.

A highlight of the symposium was the interactive dialogue on consumer choice drivers, which provided a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing public perception and acceptance of NGTs. Amrit Nanda, Executive Manager of Plants for the Future and the event’s organiser, emphasised the importance of diverse stakeholder engagement in shaping impactful outcomes.

Get more information about the Midterm Symposium here

Read the Midterm Symposium Press Release here

CORDIS European Comission European Union GeneBecon NEW Genomic Techniques NGTs Plant breeding

GreenGenius – A Satellite Event for the EU Bioeconomy Changemakers festival

GreenGenius is a plant-focused science forum, organised as satellite event for the EU Bioeconomy Changemakers festival, with the aim to empower early-career researchers active in plant sciences to drive the change towards a sustainable bioeconomy.

This in-person event will be facilitated by Euroseeds, the voice of the European seed sector. Euroseeds is a consortium partner of the Horizon Europe project GeneBEcon, dedicated to holistically exploring the transformative potential of gene editing in plants for sustainable bioeconomy.

The event will be structured as an interactive forum and is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 12 March from 12:30 till 17:30 at BluePoint in Brussels, Belgium. The event will facilitate networking and meet & greet with diverse stakeholders and young professionals to explore the career possibilities in the bioeconomy.

Admission to the event is free of charge, however registration prior to the event date is required.

– Read the full description of the GreenGenius event and agenda here.

– Click on this weblink to register for the event.

In case of any questions, send an email to Dr. Nick Vangheluwe, Manager Research Policy and Project Coordination, Euroseeds, at NickVangheluwe@euroseeds.eu.

More information about the hybrid high-level event of the Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival (13 – 14 March 2024) organised by the Commission can be found on the R&I community platform.

Location

BluePoint Brussels

Bd A. Reyers 80

1030 Brussels

Timing

12:30 -17:30

See you there!

#youthempowerment #EUbioeconomy #EUGreenDeal

CORDIS European Comission European Union GeneBecon NEW Genomic Techniques NGTs Plant breeding