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."

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