Webinar to address precision breeding progress

A free webinar on precision-bred crops, including updates on legislation around the technology, and the opportunity to become one of the first farmers across Europe to grow them, is to be held on Wednesday 16th April.

Organised by partners in the PROBITY project, it will include contributions from Professor Cristóbal Uauy, Director designate of the John Innes Centre. Professor Nigel Halford of Rothamsted Research, Dr Dylan Phillips of Aberystwyth University BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens and fellow farmer Paul Temple, who was involved in the GM field-scale evaluations around 25 years ago.

The webinar will cover gene editing to develop innovative crop traits, the implications of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act and Paul’s trial experiences and why he supports the development of precision-bred crops in England.

The group will also discuss upcoming opportunities for arable farmers in England to get involved in the PROBITY project.

Tom Allen-Stevens says: “With potential benefits including enhanced nutrient efficiency, better resistance to pests and disease, improved nutrition and reduced environmental impact, it’s essential that we explore this technology further through on-farm trials.

“I encourage all farmers to join our webinar, invest in their knowledge, ask questions and then continue the discussion afterwards via our online Sequence Circle community.”

There are two novel wheat lines currently being multiplied up for seed which will be available to for up to 20 growers to drill this autumn. A precision-bred barley will be available for planting on around five farms in spring 2026.

Tom encourages farmers to take the #PROBITYPledge by spending an hour finding out about precision-bred crops and bringing their views to the Sequence Circle. These are being analysed by University of Nottingham and will feed into recommendations on how precision-bred crops are taken forward in England. Find out more at www.bofin.org.uk/probitypledge