UK vows to protect agri-tech regulatory freedom under EU food deal

The UK government has pledged to maintain regulatory freedom for agricultural biotechnology, even as it negotiates closer alignment with EU food and agricultural rules under a new SPS agreement. Farming minister Stephen Morgan highlighted the UK’s progress in precision breeding, including gene-edited crops and government funding for innovative agri-tech projects, as evidence of the country’s leadership in agricultural science. The government’s £123 million initiative targets productivity and innovation across a range of technologies, while efforts are underway to help SMEs navigate regulatory requirements. Morgan emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting innovation and attracting investment in agri-tech.