As a Member State of the European Union (EU), the Netherlands is subject to EU regulations on GMOs. Historically, GMOs have polarized the Dutch public with consumers concerned about their health impacts and environmental groups opposed to them. On the other hand, the agricultural industry and researchers working with gene editing and genetic modification have supported them. This polarization looks set to continue in the wake of the 2018 ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that gene editing would be defined and regulated as GMOs. In response to the ruling, agricultural industry groups and scientists warned that the decision would stifle scientific progress and make the Netherlands less economically competitive. At the same time, as discussed above, important divisions exist among proponents of gene editing regarding intellectual property rights and plant breeders’ rights in relation to GEAF. Some social and environmental movements warn that gene editing will further entrench industrial agriculture and threaten plant breeders’ rights. The Netherlands is leading a coalition of 14 EU member states calling on the European Commission to update the EU GMO laws where new plant breeding techniques, such as gene editing, would be exempt from the GMO directive.
Our pilot research suggests that climate change is emerging as a key sociotechnical imaginary where proponents argue that gene editing is necessary to address the threats posed by climate change. The EU, including the Netherlands, views itself as a global leader on addressing climate change and climate and environmental issues are the main focus of the new 2021-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework.
Our pilot research suggests that climate change is emerging as a key sociotechnical imaginary where proponents argue that gene editing is necessary to address the threats posed by climate change. The EU, including the Netherlands, views itself as a global leader on addressing climate change and climate and environmental issues are the main focus of the new 2021-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework.