Transforming food systems through genome editing – animal ethics and citizen engagement

Genome editing holds a great potential for efficient plant and animal breeding. The first genome edited plants and animals have already enter the market, and if we believe even moderate predictions, the technology will transform our food production systems. To achieve responsible governance of genome editing, it is crucial to discuss how to include non-safety aspects in the assessment of these technologies. We also point out that since genome editing can be used in a broad range of organisms, from micro-organism to animals, there is a need to assess on a case-by-case basis both the risk issues and the ethical aspects for the specific organism to be genome edited. Here we mainly focus on the use of genome editing in animals and on how this technology may affect animal welfare and integrity. Genome editing of animals is generally neglected in current debates about how to achieve adequate regulation of genome editing. We draw on a modified version of Korsgaard’s Kantian approach to animal ethics to indicate some crucial concerns for regulatory debates. In addition, we argue that implementation of the technology requires citizen engagement, which should not be limited to acceptance or no acceptance of the technology and should not only focuses on potential positive or negative effects on health and environment. We should aim for a broad discussion on how this technology can be used to transform our food systems, with the aim that a wide conception of animal welfare, as well as other safety and non-safety issues are included. Our analysis is relevant for the European debate on regulation of genome editing; in particular to what extent genome editing of animals can contribute to the transformation of food productions systems as pointed out in EU strategies, such as the Green Deal, Farm to Fork and Taxonomy for sustainable activities.