South Korea's Gene Editing Regulations Hinder Agricultural Innovation

At a recent policy seminar in South Korea, experts from the science community, agriculture sector, and government gathered to discuss the pressing need for regulatory reforms concerning gene editing technology.

Participants highlighted that while South Korea possesses significant technological competitiveness, it is lagging behind major nations in the speed of commercialization of gene editing innovations. Ko Sang-eok, a veterinarian specializing in pigs, pointed out that the United States has approved the commercialization of the world's first pig resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, or PRRS, while other countries in Europe and Asia are expected to follow suit.

He expressed concern that even if South Korea were to initiate the approval process now, it would be at least a decade behind the global advancements. The situation extends beyond livestock; crops are also facing significant regulatory hurdles.

Choi Seong-hwa, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Seoul National University, brought attention to a specific case involving vitamin D-fortified tomatoes, which are being co-developed with Bayer and are anticipated to hit the global market by 2028.

In South Korea, however, these gene-edited organisms are classified as genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, which effectively bans both domestic cultivation and sales. Professor Choi emphasized the need for regulatory improvements, arguing that opening up the gene editing industry could create a market worth tens of trillions of won in food and essential goods.

He noted that the primary victims of these outdated regulations are the farmers, who are missing out on beneficial innovations. The seminar underscored a critical conversation about the balance between regulation and innovation in biotechnology, especially in the context of food security and competitiveness in the global market.

This ongoing debate is vital for understanding the implications of current regulations and the potential for future advancements in agricultural biotechnology, as the world increasingly turns to innovative solutions to meet food demands.