Precision breeding for the UK Potato Group - 16 Mar 26

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Events | CUPGRA

OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS

At the CUPGRA 36th Annual Potato Conference the Forum discussed the question: Will we see precision-bred potatoes on our plates by 2035?

This discussion highlighted the need to consider a range of questions and issues around implementation with a much wider focus than the technology itself. 87% of attendees felt that the potential introduction of precision-bred potatoes was a positive move, but nonetheless the discussions identified a range of potential constraints and the confidence of the attendees that precision-bred potatoes would appear on consumers plates fell from ‘it seems likely’ to ‘it seems unlikely’ as a result of the discussion.

A range of issues were identified but the Forum gave little opportunity for any depth of discussion, and hence this workshop aims to bring together stakeholders across the supply chain with researchers to explore the practical issues and opportunities / constraints to adoption.

The workshop will begin with some presentations on the current state-of-the-art with regard to gene editing technology for breeding in potatoes, as well as an update on the legislative and policy framework that will govern the implementation of any PBOs as new potato varieties. We will also consider the steps needed to take a PBO from a research trial to the supermarket shelf.

Workshop discussions will allow views from across the supply chain to shape priorities for information and action.