423: Interview: Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser on gene-edited crops
In March this year, the UK Government passed a new law allowing gene-edited food to be developed commercially in England. It is a controversial subject and one which has its supporters and its detractors. Those in favour say it will improve food security, making it easier to develop hardier crops that will help us meet one of the challenges of climate change. Critics fear as-yet, unknown, unintended consequences for the food system and the environment. So, what does the new law actually allow for? What safeguards are in place? And what does all of this mean for the food industry? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, Stefan Gates interviews a key figure in the introduction of the Precision Breeding Act. Guest: Professor Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser, Defra