Genetic modification and gene editing of plants and fungi

Gene editing (GE) is a form of genetic modification (GM) whereby a targeted part of an organism’s genome is precisely modified to produce specific effects. It does not involve the permanent introduction of genes sourced from outside the organism.

At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we favour transparent, evidence-based assessment of the benefits and risks of new scientific technologies, based not on the breeding technology used but rather the outcomes that the breeding technology is used to deliver. By accelerating the development of new crops better targeted to their environment, GE¹ and GM² could help address food security and the sustainable use of biodiversity, increasing the yield and resilience of agricultural crops in the face of climate change while reducing their environmental impact.

We therefore support the appropriate use of GE and GM as one of many approaches needed to address the climate and biodiversity crises and the threats they pose to biodiversity and human welfare.

For any questions, please contact science@kew.org