Figure Protesters destroyed Italy’s first open field trial of gene-edited rice crops on the night of June 21, 2024. Photo Source: Kamoun Lab (https://kamounlab.medium.com/distrutto-vandals-destroy-experimental-rice-field-in-italy-efeae5a5511f)

Euroseeds strongly condemns the destruction of Italy's first open field trial of a gene-edited rice variety by vandals on June 21, 2024, in northern Italy. The field trial, launched on May 13, 2024, was crucial for testing the resistance of the rice, named ‘RIS8imo,' against fungal diseases.

RIS8imo, developed using CRISPR technology, aimed to reduce the need for fungicides through targeted mutations, with laboratory results showing promising disease resistance. The field trial is a collaboration between the University of Milan, The Sainsbury Laboratory (Norwich, UK), and the Max-Planck-Institute for Biology in Germany. The research is led by Vittoria Brambilla's team at the University of Milan and the trial was the first authorized under a 2023 law that streamlined procedures for gene-edited plant trials.

In their statement, Euroseeds Secretary General and CEO Garlich von Essen said, "We strongly condemn this act of destruction and obstruction of lawful research. It is essential that the freedom to conduct research within the regulatory framework is respected. This incident not only hampers scientific progress but also deprives European citizens of reaping the potential benefits that arise from years of dedicated research aimed at reducing the environmental impact of rice cultivation."

Read the full statement from Euroseeds.

See https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=20883