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April 2017

New techniques in agricultural biotechnology

This advice provides an updated scientific overview of new agricultural biotechnologies compared with existing techniques.

Since the invention of agriculture, humans have selected plants to improve their crops. The advancements of genetics and biotechnology have led to more sophisticated techniques of selection. There is public debate about whether advanced techniques (including genome editing) are safe, beneficial and ethical.

Scientific advice

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Delivery date

28 April 2017

Supports UN sustainable development goals

Zero hunger
Life on land

This defines the specific questions that are asked to the Scientific Advice Mechanism. It is developed by the European Commission in consultation with the Commission services responsible for the policy area in question.

News

28 April 2017
Explanatory Note on New Techniques in Agricultural Biotechnology
SAPEA brought experts together from across Europe to priovide extensive support to the SAM High Level Group for an Explanatory Note on New techniques in Agricultural Biotechnology.