USDA hints that CRISPR gene-edited crops should be allowed in organic farming

USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture Greg Ibach testified before the House Agriculture Subcommittee that plants grown with the aid of genetically modified organisms and gene editing could be sanction to be certified organic in the future.
“I think there is the opportunity to open the discussion to consider whether it is appropriate for some of these new technologies that include gene-editing to be eligible to be used to enhance organic production and to have drought and disease-resistant varieties, as well as higher-yield varieties available,” he said.
Currently, organic standards prohibit genetic engineering and GMOs to be certified under that label. President Donald Trump enjoined federal agencies to be more lenient on the approvals for genetic crop modifications and other forms of agricultural biotech.
Original Link:https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2019/07/30/usda-hints-that-crispr-gene-edited-crops-should-be-allowed-in-organic-farming/