Biotechnology policy

New biotechnology techniques: government joins forces with organisations

New techniques and applications in biotechnology are being developed at a fast rate. It is important to ensure that policy and regulations keep pace with the rapid advances in technology. The government therefore works together with research institutes, companies, professional associations, interest groups and civil society organisations.

Public opinion poll on biotechnology

Biotechnology policy also needs to take account of the general public’s views on social issues. The government therefore organised a poll to assess public opinion on modern biotechnology. According to the results, members of the public think that biotechnology applications should have a proven, useful objective. Such as combating disease or reducing world hunger. A Dutch website has been set up for the public to provide general information on biotechnology.

Policy and regulations

The government makes policy and sets rules so that biotechnology can be applied safely and in the best possible way. Various organisations are involved in this process to ensure that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used safely:

• The Bureau for Genetically Modified Organisms (Bureau GGO) of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is responsible for issuing authorisation. It is also the point of contact for anyone who works with GMOs.
• The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) advises the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management on the potential risks to human health and the environment of the production and use of GMOs. COGEM also informs the government of ethical and societal issues linked to genetic modification.
• The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) monitors the safe use of GMOs in laboratories, during field trials and in research with gene therapy. It also carries out import checks.
• Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR) conducts research into safe, authentic food and animal feed. WFSR advises the government on the safety of genetically modified food and feed. This determines whether the products can be approved for the European market. WFSR also researches methods for detecting GMOs and monitors new scientific developments relating to GMOs.
• The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitors the safety of food and consumer products, animal welfare and nature. If the NVWA finds an unauthorised GMO in a foodstuff or an incorrectly labelled GMO, it will take enforcement action.

Research and innovation

Biotechnology is an important technology. Science plays a key role in research and innovation in this field. Funding for this research is obtained through the standard channels of universities and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). There are also special research programmes focusing on biotechnology. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management launched the Research Programme on Biotechnology and Safety in 2016, led by NWO Applied and Engineering Sciences. Ten projects collectively receive over €8 million in grants to establish a scientific knowledge base about the risks and uncertainties of biotechnology developments and applications. They are also looking at ways of minimising and managing risks, for example with Safe-by-Design. This knowledge will help ensure that biotechnology and biotechnology policy continue to be safe for human and animal health and the environment in the future.

In addition, the government decided in April 2022 to invest €246 million in various biotechnology projects, such as Biotech Booster and CROP-XR. This funding was provided from the National Growth Fund. Biotech Booster is a programme in which research institutes and businesses work together on projects to develop ideas in the field of biotechnology and help bring them to market. Crop-XR focuses on a new breeding method that will ensure faster and more efficient development of agricultural crops that are more resistant to climate change.

Sharing knowledge about safety of biotechnology

The member states of the European Union have reached agreements on sharing knowledge and restoring any environmental damage caused by GMOs. This happens, for instance, if a GMO supplants other species. The party that caused the damage bears the cost of restorative measures.

There are also international agreements on knowledge exchange. The Biosafety Clearing-House is an international database for exchanging information on living GMOs. All countries submit information to this online tool. The database helps countries to determine whether they need to undertake any additional action regarding the development of GMOs. This might include precautionary measures to ensure people’s safety and protect the environment.