Original article: “Edición genética en Chile es una nueva amenaza para las semillas tradicionales”: Advierte RAP-AL en reciente publicación internacional Chile’s First Genetically Edited Wheat: Concerns Arise Over Biodiversity and Regulation The publication «From Seed to Feather No. 60,” released by Semillas de Vida in Mexico and authored by María Elena Rozas, warns that Chile became the first country in Latin America in 2025 to approve genetically edited wheat using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The text argues that the approval granted by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) «opens new avenues» for New Genomic Techniques in the region, but also raises «questions about the standards applied in evaluating these emerging technologies.
» The bulletin criticizes the authorization of the edited wheat «without prior regulation and under the criterion of equivalence with conventional crops. » According to the document, SAG’s decision was primarily based on information provided by the biotechnology industry and patent-holding companies, who claim that genetic editing does not fall under transgenesis as it «does not involve the introduction of exogenous genes. » However, the text states that «various studies conducted by recognized experts in biotechnology» demand more rigorous analyses concerning mutations and potential genomic alterations.
The publication further accuses the approach taken to measure equivalence of having «deficiencies,» indicating that the analysis applied in Chile was «not exhaustive, quick, and low-cost,» focusing only on determining whether the crop should be considered transgenic. The article emphasizes that this procedure «does not include independent verification» and would exempt these crops from more in-depth risk evaluations before environmental release and commercialization. Another critical point addressed is the public consultation subsequently initiated by SAG regarding New Genetic Techniques.
The text asserts that the regulatory proposal replaced the concept of NGTS with the term «New Breeding Techniques,» labeling it a «euphemism» intended to avoid recognizing these technologies as forms of genetic modification. Additionally, organizations like the Chilean Pesticide Action Network have questioned «the lack of transparency and monitoring mechanisms,» warning that the consultation functioned «more as a validation mechanism for previously adopted decisions than as a genuine participatory process. » The bulletin also warns about environmental and agricultural impacts.
It claims that the expansion of genetically edited crops could deepen the disappearance of traditional wheat varieties historically grown in Chile, affecting «the valuable food heritage associated with local cuisines. » It further cautions about the use of «highly dangerous» herbicides and pesticides, mentioning substances such as glyphosate and 2,4-D, along with insecticides like clothianidin, which has been scrutinized in the European Union for its environmental effects and health risks. Ultimately, the publication warns that the advancement of genetic editing occurs «in a highly concentrated global market,» where few corporations control seeds, pesticides, and plant biotechnology.
The text argues that weak regulatory frameworks may facilitate the expansion of products protected by intellectual property «without establishing effective checks and balances» to safeguard biodiversity and agricultural heritage. To read the full article from the bulletin «From Seed to Feather No. 60,» you can visit the official website of Semillas de Vida.