Chile's Ministry of Agriculture, through the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), has presented a draft resolution aimed at organising and bringing transparency to the procedure used to determine which regulatory framework applies to plant materials developed using New Breeding Techniques (NBTs). The proposal was presented during a meeting with key sector stakeholders, including representatives from ChileBio, Pensar Agro, ANPROS and Viveros de Chile.
It is important to clarify that New Breeding Techniques allow precise and targeted changes to a plant's own DNA, without incorporating genes from other species, using modern biotechnological tools. This distinguishes them from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which are characterised by the incorporation of external genetic material from another species to confer new traits, a technique that is already regulated in Chile.
Alongside the presentation of the draft resolution, SAG launched a public consultation process that will begin on January 14 and run for 60 days, with both national and international scope. The resolution is expected to enter into force by the end of May, depending on the volume and nature of the comments received.
The Minister of Agriculture, Ignacia Fernández, highlighted that the resolution will allow the country to move forward with greater certainty in food production. "It will give us legal certainty, clarity regarding a procedure, and greater authority for SAG to supervise a key process for advancing food security, nutrition and improved production quality," she said. She added that Chile needs clear rules to strengthen its capacity to produce food and adapt to increasingly demanding climatic conditions.
The minister also welcomed the public consultation process, stating that the aim is "to take on board the proposals and perspectives that may arise regarding the need for an improved, strengthened resolution that is effectively adapted to the conditions the country requires."
For his part, Marco Muñoz, Head of the Agricultural, Forestry and Seeds Protection Division at SAG, explained that "this resolution does not create a new policy nor does it change the existing rules on Genetically Modified Organisms. What it does is formalise a technical procedure that SAG has been applying responsibly for more than eight years, providing greater certainty, clarity and regulatory backing both to citizens and to the different actors in the agricultural sector."
The procedure will allow a case by case evaluation to determine whether a plant material developed using these new techniques should be considered conventional, or whether it must be subject to the existing GMO regulations. This process is mandatory, carried out only once, and must be completed before the material is used in the field, whether it originates in Chile or abroad. In this way, the State issues an official and transparent ruling, reinforcing the country's sanitary and environmental protection. When a material is classified as a GMO, all current legal requirements apply, without exception.
At the same time, the new regulation strengthens SAG's powers to supervise and act in cases of non compliance, such as the use of non evaluated material or the submission of inaccurate information.
In this work, the public private collaboration developed with industry associations, SAG, the Ministry of Science and INIA was highlighted.
The Minister of Science, Aldo Ovalle, stated that "this proposal is a clear political signal that the Government is taking responsibility for governing innovation with evidence, with strong institutions and with a long term vision. From the Ministry of Science, we understand that science and technology must serve the concrete needs of the country, and that well regulated technological development strengthens public trust. This joint effort allows the knowledge generated in universities and research centres to be translated into real solutions for a more resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture, contributing to food security, rural employment and adaptation to climate change, always safeguarding the public interest and the environment."
The private sector's perspective
From the industry side, Miguel Ángel Sánchez of ChileBio described the moment as a milestone for the country, highlighting that it formalises a procedure that was already in operation and reflects a global trend in which technological innovation contributes to improving food security and adaptation to climate change. He also stressed that biotechnology can generate benefits for farmers, consumers and the environment.
Along the same lines, Cristián Muñoz, President of Pensar Agro, said that this progress will make it possible to access better materials for agricultural production, strengthening innovation and benefiting both producers and consumers.
Mario Schindler, Executive Director of ANPROS, emphasised that Chile is taking a step towards the future, aligning itself with other countries that have recognised the importance of these technologies for food and nutritional security, and highlighted the joint work between the State and industry associations.
Finally, Maritrini Lapuente, Executive Director of Viveros de Chile, stressed that the resolution provides certainty for plant breeding, which is the foundation of crop productive potential. This will allow progress towards a more innovative and sustainable agriculture, better prepared to face challenges such as droughts and extreme weather events, with direct benefits for citizens.
With this initiative, the State aims to build greater trust, reduce misinformation and ensure that agricultural innovation develops in a responsible and transparent manner, in the service of better food for people.
Source: sag.gob.cl
