Abstract

The article provides an account of the recent debate on the use of new gene editing technologies in the organic farming sector. After a brief reference to the possible uses of these technologies in the agri-food sector and the existing regulations, the positions taken by organic agriculture are summarized. So far, a cautious precautionary principle has been embraced which has led the organic sector to refuse gene editing on the basis of the two following arguments: 1. the technology does still not prove to be beneficial to society and be able to promote sustainable development; 2. there are too many areas of incertitude with respect to its possible adverse effects at environmental and social justice level. Gene technologies have also been rejected because of their incompatibility with the four founding principles of organic agriculture: health, ecology, fairness, and care. Notwithstanding the sharp current position, the debate is still open, with many social and economic forces which, potentially, might lead to different scenarios.

Keywords: Gene editing;Organic;Agriculture;Regulation;Sustainability