The UK government has published secondary legislation to implement the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023, paving the way for the cultivation of gene-edited crops in England. This development could soon allow British agtech startup Phytoform to seek regulatory approval for its non-browning potato varieties, designed to reduce food waste.

The new regulations, laid before Parliament on February 25, 2025, and considered by a parliamentary committee on March 31, 2025, establish a science-based and proportionate regulatory system for precision-bred plants in England. They cover the environmental release and marketing of such plants, as well as their use in food and feed.

Phytoform’s gene-edited potatoes have been engineered to inhibit browning by blocking the production of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), the enzyme responsible for discoloration. This trait does not affect the taste or texture of the potatoes.

The company’s CEO, William Pelton, has highlighted the environmental benefits of reducing food waste through such innovations. “That’s the ultimate waste, because everything put into that crop is wasted,” Pelton said, referring to the discarding of discolored but otherwise edible potatoes.

Phytoform utilizes CRISPR-based genome-editing technology to make precise changes without introducing foreign DNA, distinguishing its products from traditional GMOs. This approach allows for the development of new crop traits within months, significantly faster than conventional breeding methods.

With the regulatory framework in place, Phytoform plans to apply for approval to cultivate its non-browning potatoes in England. If granted, this would mark a significant milestone in the commercialization of gene-edited crops in the UK.