GeneBEcon EU project

????????????????????? ???? ???????????????????? ?? ???????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ?????? ???????????? ??????! ????Potato starch is widely used in the food industry for its thickening and gelling properties. But there’s a problem: it doesn’t perform well in cold storage or after freezing and thawing????. To fix this, companies chemically modify the starch, consuming huge amounts of energy and chemicals every year??. ?? ?????????????????? ????????????????? ?? ???????????? ???????????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????????????? ????! ??We have developed gene-edited potato plants using New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) to naturally improve starch stability and yield, without chemical modification. ?? ?????? ???????? ???? ????????? We are using CRISPR/Cas9 to fine-tune how potatoes produce starch. By making small, targeted changes to a few key genes, we are improving the starch’s structure, making it more stable for cold storage and increasing its overall yield. ??????????’?? ?????????????????? ??????? We have transferred 12 selected potato lines into the Biotron growth chamber at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) for advanced analysis. This trial will help us: ? Check how well the plants produce starch ? Measure the amount and quality of the starch they make ? Identify the best-performing potatoes for future testing ?? ?????? ????????????? By tweaking potato starch at the genetic level, we are creating a more stable, sustainable, and efficient alternative - reducing waste, energy use, and the need for chemical processing! #NGT #CRISPR #geneediting #plantbreeding #potatostarch #sustainablefood #sustainableagriculture

The Council has this week agreed its position for negotiations with the European Parliament on proposed rules on new genomic techniques. Plants bred using new genomic techniques can be very similar or even identical to products generated using conventional breeding techniques, or even to plants occurring naturally. The new rules aim to give legal clarity on new breeding methods that do not use foreign DNA. Why do we need EU rules on #NGTs? Find out more here ?? europa.eu/!QVfQfp

?? ???????? ?????????????????? ?????????????? ????????????! ??? We're excited to announce a series of 4?? ???????????????????? ????????????????, delving into the fascinating world of gene editing and its crucial role in shaping Europe's bioeconomy. ???????? ???????????? ???????? ????: ? Provide scientific insights to support informed policy-making at both the EU and national levels ? Facilitate the uptake of gene editing tools within the scientific community ? Raise awareness on the positive environmental impact of NGT crops & biobased products ?? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ?????????? ?????? ???????????????????????? ??????????????! #geneediting #bioeconomy #NGT #sustainableagriculture #potato #starch #microalgae #CRISPR #plantbreeding #EUGreenDeal #EUBioeconomy #circularbioeconomy #BioeconomyStrategy Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) Slovak University of Agriculture Euroseeds INRAE SolEdits Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) Wageningen University & Research ILVO (Instituut voor Landbouw, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek)

????How do consumers and businesses feel about New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in food products? A GeneBEcon report reveals curious insights ?? ???????? ????????????????: ? Awareness of NGTs is still low and providing clear and unbiased information boosts acceptance. ?? Consumers are open to NGT-based food, but price, health benefits, and sustainability matter! ?? Businesses see NGTs as a tool for sustainability and food security but stress the need for clear information and regulations. ?? ?????? ???????? ???????? ????????????? ??For Consumers: Healthier, more nutritious food that is also better for the planet. ??For Policy Makers: Supporting NGTs can drive innovation and sustainability, aligning with the European Green Deal and climate goals. ??Check out the report for more details on the survey and results: https://lnkd.in/eTZtmxbY ??Policy brief:?https://lnkd.in/etqkZkmH Wageningen University & Research Slovak University of Agriculture SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences XPRO Consulting Limited #sustainableagriculture #geneediting #plantbreeding #potato #microalgae #consumeracceptance #NGTs #newgenomictechniques #CRISPR

?? Meet the Experts Behind the Next #BTrust Masterclass, in collaboration with Darwin project! ?? ?? Speakers: ?? Odd-Gunnar Wikmark – Research Director, Gene Technology, Environment and Society at NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, and Project Coordinator of the DARWIN Project ?? Nils Elmegaard – Danish Agriculture and Food Council ?? Laura Krumm – Justus Liebig University Giessen ?? Veerle Rijckaert & Charlotte Boone – Alice down the rabbit hole ?? What to expect? ?? Can NGTs foster a more sustainable and fair food system? Insights from DARWIN’s groundbreaking research on detection methods for NGT products. ?? CRISPR and seed innovation – new frontiers in plant breeding. ?? Consumer trust & acceptance – results from surveys in Germany and Spain. ?? Key takeaways from #BTrust’s #Cocreation workshops. ?? Join us on 26 March – Register now! ?? https://lnkd.in/dkut_pJt ?? This project is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme 2021-2027.

?? As part of our new #PlantasticDiscoveries Plant Breeding Series, today we zoom in on the consumer side of the agri-food value chain! ??? ???From healthier diets and more convenient products to reducing food waste, plant breeding plays a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable #bioeconomy. By optimising crops for enhanced nutrition, and multipurpose uses, plant breeding helps deliver better food choices while supporting climate and resource efficiency goals. ?? But plant breeding isn’t just about food - it’s also supports biomass for textiles, chemicals, and energy! With demand for sustainable materials growing, plant breeding can improve biomass quality, quantity and crop resilience, ensuring a steady supply of bio-based alternatives. ?? Swipe through to learn how plant breeding is key to building a resilient bioeconomy! And follow along in the next weeks as we explore the different solutions plant breeding provides to challenges across the value chain! ???

?? Bringing the GeneBEcon Systems Mapping Workshops to a Close! ???? ?? On 24 February, Sil Allaert and Carla Mingolla hosted the final GeneBEcon?Systems Mapping Workshop, marking the last in a series dedicated to understanding the complex landscape of new genomic techniques (NGTs). The NGT debate is often polarised, and through these workshops, we’ve mapped the political, social, regulatory, economic, and environmental factors influencing it. ?? This final session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and NGOs—some returning participants, others offering fresh perspectives. The mix made for rich discussions, with lively exchanges that helped clarify areas of agreement and key points of divergence. ?? Key takeaways from this session: ? Feedback on our progress so far ? A broader perspective on how NGTs affect organic farmers, scientists, and civil society organisations ? A deep dive into the trends, institutional structures, and values driving major disagreements ? There was strong enthusiasm for the Systems Mapping Approach, with many participants keen to stay involved with GeneBEcon. The insights gathered will be integrated into a final report, due in summer 2025, helping to foster a more informed and inclusive discussion on gene editing. ??A big thank you to everyone who contributed—we couldn't have done it without you! #systemsmapping #research #innovation #geneediting #plantbreeding #sustainableagriculture

?? Advancing Collaboration: BrightSpace, RATION & GeneBEcon Meet to Drive Innovation ???? On March 3, 2025, the EU-funded BrightSpace Horizon Europe Project, HE - RATION, and GeneBEcon EU project projects held their bi-monthly collaboration meeting, reinforcing efforts to align research, exchange knowledge, and explore synergies in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and regulatory frameworks for innovative technologies. ?? Read the Key Highlights of the meeting here: https://lnkd.in/dD7tYnP7

??#NewPublicationAlert ??Did you know microalgae can counteract climate change, reduce industrial waste, and boost the bioeconomy? In Europe, they’re already making waves in food supplements, cosmetics, and animal feed! ??? ?? ?????? ?????????????????? ???????? ?? ?????? ??????????: ?? Microalgae-based circular bioeconomy = sustainability + cost reduction ?? Cutting-edge tech can overcome production challenges ?? With the right innovation & policies, Europe’s microalgae sector could become a global market player ??Read the full article for more insights: https://lnkd.in/eXDQA5As #sustainableagriculture #microalgae #HorizonEurope #sustainablebioeconomy #climatechange Agroscope Danish Technological Institute ILVO (Instituut voor Landbouw, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek)

????GeneBEcon #WomenInScience ??Bàrbara Levering, Research & Communications Officer at Plants for the Future, began her academic journey studying astronomy, eventually completing a master’s degree in astronomy and science communication. This experience made her realise the significant disconnect that often exists between science and society. Motivated to bridge this gap, she pursued a career in science communication and public engagement, gradually developing a deep interest in topics like the bioeconomy, plant science, and the complexities that arise when policymaking intersects with research. ? ?? She strongly believes that although women and queer people in STEMM may face more barriers, it is crucial to follow one’s passions. It’s essential that STEMM reflects the diversity of the world, as people everywhere are interested in science. Within GeneBEcon, Plant ETP is involved in addressing the governance options for the use of NGTs in the European Union, as well as communication and exploitation of project results. #IDWGS