Chile Advances Regulatory Clarity for New Plant Breeding Technologies in Agriculture

Chile has taken a significant step toward consolidating the responsible use of agricultural biotechnology with the presentation of a proposed resolution that formalizes the technical procedure used to evaluate plant materials developed through New Breeding Techniques (NBT). The initiative, spearheaded by Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture through the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), aims to provide greater legal certainty, strengthen oversight, and align Chile with the growing global movement recognizing these tools as essential for producing more sustainable, nutritious, and resilient foods.

For over eight years, SAG has applied a technical evaluation procedure to assess plant materials developed using modern biotechnology. The proposed resolution seeks to organize and make this process transparent, ensuring that products obtained through NBT—methods that precisely replicate genetic changes that can occur naturally, without introducing genes from other species—are clearly distinguished from transgenic approaches, which incorporate genetic material from another species and are already regulated in Chile under existing GMO rules.

The mandatory pre-field, case-by-case reviews are designed to support health and environmental protection, strengthen public confidence, and encourage innovation for climate-resilient, sustainable food production. By issuing an official, transparent determination supported by regulation, the State ensures that these technologies are used responsibly while fostering trust among the public.

The formalization of this science-based procedure, which has been in force since 2017 and is aligned with a global trend, will allow farmers to have access to better products and will stimulate national innovation to achieve better food, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Miguel Ángel Sánchez, executive director of Chilebio, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that it will help farmers benefit from improved crop varieties without the regulatory complexities associated with transgenic GMOs.

This regulatory clarity not only supports the growth of the agricultural sector but also positions Chile as a leader in adopting innovative biotechnological solutions. By distinguishing NBT products from transgenic GMOs, the country can encourage the development and use of advanced plant breeding techniques that enhance crop resilience to climate change and improve food quality.

The proposed resolution also underscores Chile’s commitment to transparency and public participation in the regulatory process. By making the evaluation procedure more accessible and understandable, the government aims to build trust and ensure that all stakeholders—including farmers, scientists, and the general public—are informed about the benefits and risks associated with NBT technologies.

In the context of global efforts to increase food production and ensure food security, Chile’s regulatory advancements highlight the potential of New Breeding Techniques to contribute to sustainable agriculture. By providing a clear framework for evaluating these innovations, the country is setting a precedent that could inspire other nations to adopt similar policies and foster a more collaborative approach to agricultural biotechnology.

In conclusion, Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture’s proposal to formalize the technical procedure for evaluating plant materials developed through New Breeding Techniques represents a significant step toward enhancing regulatory clarity and transparency in the agricultural sector. This initiative not only supports the responsible use of biotechnological tools but also encourages innovation and the development of climate-resilient, sustainable food production systems. As Chile continues to lead in this area, the international community can learn from its approach to balancing the benefits of advanced plant breeding techniques with the need for robust regulatory oversight.