Keeping up with scientific innovations and developing policies to promote such innovations significantly contributes to food security. Recent innovations in plant breeding techniques such as genome editing are one of the key examples. Genome editing allows modification in a plant that could be made through conventional plant breeding but in a precise way and at a much faster rate. A future-proof, consistent, and science-based approach for regulatory oversight is needed to ensure full realization of the benefits of genome editing. Countries around the world are actively engaged in updating regulatory frameworks to govern this new technology adequately. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have also developed policies to govern the development of genome editing products, while other countries are in different stages of decision-making.
To stimulate the discussion around the policies governing genome editing in crops, we are pleased to share APSA is organizing its first-ever 2025 APSA Regional Plant Breeding Innovation (PBI) Consultation at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 8-9, 2025. The two-day consultation will provide a platform to discuss the global developments around genome editing and the progress in our region. The participants in this regional consultation include government officials from several countries in the Asia-Pacific region who are involved in the regulation of genome-edited crops, global experts, and seed and grain industry leaders. This consultation will also discuss the policy development that is product, science, and risk-based.
This regional consultation is organized by APSA Standing Committee on Plant Breeding Innovation with support from American Seed Trade Association, Canada Grains Council, Croplife Asia and SEMAE in partnership with National Seed Association of Malaysia and Mekong US Partnership Project.
For any queries, contact Dr. Shivendra Bajaj at shivendra@apsaseed.org