Chile avanza en claridad regulatoria para nuevas tecnologías de fitomejoramiento en la agricultura

Chile has taken a significant step towards the responsible use of agricultural biotechnology by presenting a proposal to formalize the technical evaluation procedure for plant materials developed using New Breeding Techniques (NBT). This initiative aims to provide greater legal certainty, strengthen supervision, and align Chile with the growing global movement recognizing these tools as essential for producing more sustainable, nutritious, and resilient foods.

The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), has submitted the proposal to organize and transparently manage the technical evaluation process that SAG has been applying for over eight years to assess biotechnology-developed plant materials. The goal is to clearly distinguish products obtained through NBT—methods that replicate natural genetic changes with precision, without introducing genes from other species—from transgenic approaches, which incorporate foreign genetic material and are already regulated in Chile under existing OGM legislation, according to a press release.

The mandatory and necessary evaluation process, conducted on a case-by-case basis before field use, allows SAG to assess developments to determine whether they should be treated as conventional or if existing regulations for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) should apply. By issuing an official and transparent regulation, backed by legal frameworks, the state strengthens the protection of health and the environment while fostering public confidence in the responsible use of these technologies.

Dr. Miguel Ángel Sánchez, executive director of Chilebio, highlights that "the formalization of this scientifically based procedure, in place since 2017 and aligned with a global trend, will allow farmers to access better products and innovate in agriculture sustainably."

This regulatory clarity is crucial as NBT techniques, such as gene editing and marker-assisted selection, have become increasingly popular in agriculture due to their precision and potential to enhance crop resilience to climate change, pests, and diseases. By differentiating NBT products from transgenic GMOs, Chile is ensuring that farmers have access to advanced tools without being constrained by the same regulatory frameworks as traditional GMOs.

The new regulation also emphasizes the importance of public participation and transparency in the decision-making process. This includes public consultations and the disclosure of evaluation results, ensuring that stakeholders, including farmers, environmental groups, and the general public, are informed and can participate in shaping agricultural policies.

Moreover, the formalization of the NBT evaluation procedure supports Chile's commitment to innovation in agriculture. By providing a clear legal framework, the government is encouraging research and development in biotechnology, which can lead to improved crop varieties that meet the growing global demand for food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

In conclusion, Chile's regulatory advancement for new technologies in plant breeding represents a balanced approach to balancing agricultural progress with environmental and public health considerations. By differentiating NBT products from transgenic GMOs and implementing a transparent, case-by-case evaluation process, the country is positioning itself as a leader in responsible agricultural biotechnology, fostering innovation while safeguarding the environment and public trust.