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."



[euroseeds.eu]
troy-Italys-first-open-field-trial-with-gene-edited-rice-to-test-resistance-
against-fungal-disease.pdf