The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) expressed their approval in the statement signed by 13 countries which emphasizes their commitment to the fair, science-based treatment of evolving breeding methods such as gene editing worldwide.

According to the statement, innovations in precision biotechnology, such as gene editing, have brought the promise of major improvements in terms of the ease and precision of introducing desirable traits into agricultural organisms, as compared to other breeding methods. The statement was released in Geneva, Switzerland at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

"This is a strong show of support by governments around the world in recognition of the necessity of continued evolution in plant breeding, and the critical role that it will play in ensuring a more sustainable and secure global food production system," said ASTA President and CEO Andrew LaVigne. "Seed is a global industry, and in light of the recent disappointing decision by the European Court of Justice, efforts such as this international statement are more important than ever in working toward the goal of global alignment on policies around agricultural innovation."

Read the news release from the American Seed Trade Association.