About the project

Plant genetic improvement has been key to the steady increase in crop quality and yield throughout history. To achieve this, breeders have used a wide range of techniques and approaches.

In recent years, new genomic techniques (NGTs) have been developed, in particular gene editing based on the use of proteins such as CRISPR. These act like a molecular scalpel, allowing new mutations to be introduced in a targeted and precise way into the plant genome.

These techniques hold great potential for the development of new varieties that can deliver higher-quality products and enable more sustainable agriculture under cultivation conditions increasingly affected by climate change. For example, they can help optimize water use and reduce dependence on irrigation—something especially important in Mediterranean countries.

To ensure safety and make the most of the potential of these techniques, the European Union is currently debating a legislative proposal for products derived from NGTs.

In this context, a scientific advisory project for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has been launched, coordinated by the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG). The project consists of creating a group of experts to advise the Ministry on NGTs. In addition, meetings will be organized with different stakeholder groups to analyze the potential of NGTs for the Spanish agri-food sector and to coordinate research efforts and the dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information. 

The project consists of creating a group of experts to advise the Ministry on analyzing the potential of NTGs for the Spanish agri-food sector, and coordinate research efforts and dissemination of truthful and up-to-date information.