The ethical dilemma with governing CRISP/Cas genome editing

CRISPR/Cas is one of the newly developed genome editing techniques, that is expected to have great innovative potential in the very early stages of the food change, i.e. plant breeding. CRISPR/Cas remains within species boundaries. The cisgenetic plants could also be the outcome of conventional breeding or natural evolution. Compared to former genetic modification (GM) techniques, this system is considered as relatively easy to apply, more precise, quicker and much cheaper. This new technological development has induced a debate on the adequacy of the current governance system within the EU, due to the current non-traceability of the modifications. A controversy point is whether cisgenic plants should be viewed as GMOs and thus fall under the current EU law for GMO approval, which was developed at a time when GM meant introducing transgenic DNA into a genome. The current debate on regulation is very much science based and focuses mainly on risk management aspects. However, there are a number of fundamental trade-offs to be considered in the context of governing CRSPR/Cas genome editing. Certain characteristics of the new technology set the key-requirements for governance options. Because it is easy to apply, cheaper and much quicker and non-traceability its outreach will be immense, therefore governance has to reflect the balance between the diverging interests and values and requires a continuous discourse between science and society. We will shed light on the ethical dilemma that, on the one hand, fast regulative action is needed to catch up with the developments and, on the other hand, the required societal debate needs time.