V. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

In summary this paper makes suggestions on how to regulate GMOs in a manner that is science based and proportionate. The overachieving aim is to encourage policy that fosters innovation, improves productivity, decreases the UK’s impact on the environment and climate, while fostering an atmosphere in which consumers feel safe. Here we briefly review each of the themes we discussed in this paper (For a more detailed discussion please Section IV. above).

• To foster agricultural innovation. The UK is a renowned world-leader for innovation in life sciences. However, innovation in genetic modification technologies has been hindered by misguided regulation, which has halted the transition from pioneering research to in-field implementations. A deregulation of GMO technologies would encourage research centres, start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises to invest in practical and profitable applications for genomic engineering and agricultural biotechnology. • To reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Genetically modified crops have the potential to reduce the impact of agriculture on biodiversity loss and climate change. We presented, in the introduction, multiple examples of GM technologies which have reduced pesticide applications and greenhouse gas emission of agriculture and farming, whilst maintaining “economical profitability”. • To maintain high food quality and environmental standards. The safety and quality of food for human consumption should remain a priority for the government independently of Brexit. Although GM technologies to date have been proved to be safe, we advise for transgenic organisms to require approval for growth and sale upon adequate testing for potential side effects on humans and the environment. Under our advice, cisgenic and gene edited organisms should be regulated like conventionally bred organisms and should not require special approval. • To maintain consumer trust with transparent labelling and dialogue. The scientific consensus is that GM crops are safe, however public opinion has not caught on due to general misinformation. Given the bias in public perception against GMOs,

we propose regulatory methods that are scientifically founded but transparent to ensure consumer trust. We advise for an initial transition period of strict labelling of all GM food, coinciding with an information campaign aimed at ameliorating consumer misinformation with scientific evidence. At the end of this transition period, we advise the government to hold a public consultation on the need to label GM food to safeguard consumer information.

• To encourage science outreach on the topic of GMOs. A fundamental component of this policy proposal is to encourage dialogue between scientists and the public and renew public trust in science-based policy. We advise for the government to implement this through a public information campaign on GMO safety and by funding public awareness initiatives. Moreover, we recognise the importance of educating young generations on GM technology and science innovation and we advise to introduce the topic into the national curriculum for sciences.