Join Vonnie Estes as she hosts a captivating discussion with Karen Carr on the evolving landscape of agricultural biotechnology. Delve into the regulatory challenges and opportunities surrounding gene editing, with insights into developments in the US and EU. Discover how these technologies could impact agricultural practices, consumer choice, and public health. Karen shares her expertise on navigating complex regulatory frameworks and the role of NGOs, while exploring the promising future of breeding technologies that enhance nutrition and sustainability. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of food and agriculture innovation.

Key Takeaways

• USDA’s Product-Based Regulation: The U.S. regulatory framework prioritizes evaluating the safety of the end products rather than focusing solely on the breeding processes.
• Implications of the December Court Decision: A pivotal court ruling in December 2024 mandates USDA to revert to older regulations, impacting gene-edited crops and regulatory procedures.
• Role of NGOs: NGOs can influence policy and public perception, often leading to reduced consumer and producer choices in the biotechnology space.
• International Regulatory Trends: Promising developments in EU regulatory practices for gene editing could reshape global agricultural biotechnology.
• Efficiency in Regulation: The focus remains on streamlining regulations to support innovation, ensuring efficient and clear pathways for commercializing new technologies.

Guest Resources

• ArentFox Schiff: https://www.afslaw.com/ [A global law firm where Karen leads the Ag Technology Regulatory Practice Group]
• USDA’s Regulatory Framework: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ 
• International Fresh Produce Association: https://www.freshproduce.com/

Join the conversation and gain deeper insights by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking discussions on innovation in agriculture and food through “Fresh Takes on Tech.”

Show Links

International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/

Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/

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Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/

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