GeneBEcon Final Symposium and Consortium Meeting: A Celebration of Impact and Innovation

On July 2nd, 2025, the final symposium of the GeneBEcon project took place in Brussels, graciously hosted by Plant ETP. This high-level event marked a major milestone in the project’s journey, gathering key stakeholders to reflect on achievements, exchange insights, and explore the transformative potential of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in building a more circular, sustainable, and competitive bioeconomy.

Throughout the day, participants explored how NGTs can help develop resilient and resource-efficient raw materials and high-value compounds, contributing directly to the goals of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The symposium also examined how different regulatory scenarios impact biosafety data requirements, adoption potential, and broader socio-economic implications.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, for a series of compelling sessions and discussions. Key themes included:

  • The current landscape and future direction of NGT legislation in the EU
  • Economic models and investment dynamics shaping NGT development
  • Scientific advancements in gene-edited crops and microalgae
  • Addressing public perception, misinformation, and citizen engagement
  • Fostering innovation, start-ups, and talent retention within Europe

Through expert panels, keynote presentations, and interactive dialogue, the symposium emphasized the importance of aligning science, regulation, and society to unlock the full potential of NGTs in Europe’s evolving bioeconomy.

Read more about the symposium and access event materials here: 

Click here to read

Final Consortium Meeting in Ghent

Following the symposium, the GeneBEcon consortium held its final project meeting in Ghent, kindly hosted by ILVO. This gathering provided a valuable moment for project partners to review progress, share final outcomes, and discuss strategies for maximising impact and fostering future collaboration.

As part of the meeting, partners had the opportunity to visit ILVO’s cutting-edge research facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the innovative work driving advancements in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.

A heartfelt thank you to Plant ETP for organizing and hosting the symposium, and to ILVO for the warm hospitality and an inspiring visit that perfectly concluded the GeneBEcon journey.

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Transition Action Plans (TAPs) Launched to Drive Sustainable Innovation in Food and Biotechnology

In a bold move toward a more sustainable and resilient agri-food future, the Transition Action Plans (TAPs) for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) have been officially launched. These plans serve as practical roadmaps to accelerate the adoption of innovative biotechnologies across the EU and beyond.

TAPs are at the heart of an inclusive transition strategy designed to unlock the potential of NGTs, a new generation of genetic techniques that promise to make agriculture more climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and productive.

Each of the six TAPs is tailored to a key stakeholder group: policymakers, researchers, farmers, industry representatives, civil society, and the general public. The roadmaps lay out concrete, measurable actions to build awareness, foster education, encourage collaboration, and strengthen communication around NGTs.

The initiative encourages collective engagement and aims to create a more informed, connected, and empowered community around genomic innovation in food and biotechnology. Whether it’s guiding regulatory dialogue, training scientists, or informing the public, the TAPs are designed to ensure no stakeholder is left behind in the NGT transition.

Stakeholders across sectors are now invited to explore the TAPs and join the journey toward a smarter, more sustainable future.

Join GeneBEcon’s Four Webinars on Consumer Perceptions, Crop Innovations and the GeneBeWise

GeneBEcon has launched a webinar series that explores the role of gene editing in Europe’s bioeconomy by sharing project findings, stakeholder insights and discussions on regulatory, environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of new genomic techniques

Public and Business Stakeholder Perceptions on NGT Derived Food Products
This session will present results from a consumer study across five European countries on awareness, perceptions and acceptance of NGT derived food products, highlighting differences in familiarity with NGTs versus GMOs and factors influencing consumer attitudes
• Date and time: Tues 29 April, 14:00 15:30 CEST

Virus Resistant Starch Potato for an Environmentally Friendly Agro Industry System
Experts will discuss research on gene editing to improve virus resistance and starch quality in potatoes, alongside analyses of biosafety requirements, public perceptions and economic impacts for gene edited crops
• Date and time: Tues 13 May, 14:00 15:30 CEST

Microalgae for a High Value and Zero Waste Production System
This webinar will cover gene editing approaches to boost production of high value compounds in microalgae and repurpose residual biomass as poultry feed, addressing biosafety data requirements and market drivers for a zero waste bioeconomy
• Date and time: Tues 27 May, 14:00 15:30 CEST

A Comprehensive and Versatile Gene Editing Toolbox
Researchers will share progress on a gene editing toolbox—including vectors, protocols, and advances in base editing, prime editing and homology directed repair—to support innovation in plant and microbial systems
• Date and time: Tues 10 June, 14:00 15:15 CEST

Registration is open to policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and food innovation. Visit GeneBEcon’s website to register and join these discussions on shaping the future of responsible gene editing.

Promoting Consumer Acceptance of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)

The GeneBEcon project has unveiled an engaging policy brief focused on boosting consumer acceptance of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) across Europe. Developed by an EU-funded consortium, the brief explores how NGTs can drive more sustainable agri-food systems and a circular bioeconomy, while addressing challenges like low consumer awareness and trust gaps.

A comprehensive survey was conducted in five European countries—Germany, France, Denmark, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom—with 1,000 participants per nation. This study not only gauged consumer familiarity and perceptions of NGTs but also gathered rich insights from an online focus group comprising key representatives from sectors such as farmers’ cooperatives, breeding organizations, processing industries, retail, and research.

Results show that awareness of NGTs ranges from 45.7% in Slovakia to 59.9% in Germany. When provided with clear, unbiased information, many consumers shifted to a neutral or positive stance towards these techniques. Trust levels in institutions like public health and food agencies also varied significantly, with the UK and France demonstrating higher trust compared to Slovakia. Additionally, acceptance of NGT-derived products differed by demographics, with the UK leading in willingness to purchase these innovative products. Stakeholder insights underline the need for transparent communication and a focus on consumer benefits to drive wider market uptake.

Discover the Full Story!
Dive deeper into these compelling insights and uncover how strategic communication can unlock the potential of NGTs for a sustainable future. Read the complete policy brief here.

Welcome to the Second Edition of Our Newsletter

We are excited to share the latest breakthroughs, milestones, and collaborations shaping the future of gene editing for a sustainable bioeconomy. In this issue, we highlight key advancements, insightful discussions, and what’s next for our mission.

Recently, we hosted impactful events, including the SMA Workshop, where we explored advancements in gene editing applications, and the Review Meeting, where we assessed progress and set future strategies. The Science-Policy Symposium brought together experts to bridge research and policy for responsible innovation, while the 3rd RRI Workshop focused on co-creating ethical and inclusive solutions. Our Consortium Meeting strengthened global collaboration, and our partners have published groundbreaking scientific research, further driving innovation in the field.

Looking ahead, we are committed to fostering more innovation, deeper collaboration, and greater impact. Stay tuned for upcoming activities as we continue shaping the future of sustainable biotechnology.

Read more here.

Microalgae: A Key Player in Europe’s Sustainable Bioeconomy

A new review from the GeneBEcon project was published, exploring the state of microalgae production in Europe. It examines how microalgae are cultivated, processed, and used commercially, along with the regulatory barriers that shape the industry’s future.

With 146 products from 66 producers and 49 companies providing technology and services, microalgae are used in food, feed, cosmetics, and other sectors. Their production depends on biological traits, cultivation conditions, and processing technologies, with a focus on optimizing resource use and integrating industrial waste streams.

The review uncovers key factors influencing sustainable production, from biological traits and cultivation methods to industrial waste integration. Advances in genomic techniques and bioprocessing are improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact, but EU regulations still present hurdles for scaling up.

Microalgae play a role in the EU’s Green Deal, supporting alternative proteins, bioplastics, biofuels, and wastewater treatment. Strategic investments in genomics, bioreactors, and bioprocessing could expand the sector further.

The full review provides a detailed analysis of the current landscape, the challenges ahead, and the developments shaping the future of microalgae production in Europe. Read more to understand the key trends and opportunities in the sector.

Read it here.

Could Microalgae Transform Poultry Feed? Discover Here!

A study from the GeneBEcon project examined the use of Chlorella vulgaris, a type of microalgae, in broiler chicken feed. Researchers tested diets with 0% to 20% microalgae and compared unprocessed biomass to biomass treated with pulsed electric field (PEF) technology to see how it affected nutrient absorption, growth, and meat characteristics.

The results showed that higher levels of C. vulgaris reduced digestibility of proteins, fats, and energy. PEF processing improved digestibility compared to unprocessed biomass by breaking down cell walls, which made nutrients easier to absorb. Increased amounts of microalgae in the feed also led to lower body weight, slower growth, and changes in meat color, with darker meat observed at higher inclusion rates.

This study highlights how microalgae and processing methods like PEF can be applied to poultry feed to meet nutritional needs and improve feed efficiency.

Read the full study here.

From Research to Policy: Insights from GeneBEcon’s 5th Consortium Meeting

The 5th GeneBEcon Consortium Meeting brought partners and stakeholders together in Berlin to assess progress, strategize for the project’s final phase, and explore ways to maximize the impact of its results. Highlights included insightful presentations from project partners, updates from the Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB), and sessions on advancing the project’s Key Exploitable Results. Partners also refined the NGT Transition Action Plan in a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Workshop facilitated by XPRO Consulting. This plan outlines short-, medium-, and long-term actions to boost awareness of new genomic techniques (NGTs) and counter misinformation across diverse stakeholders, including farmers, the food industry, policymakers, and NGOs.

Participants also engaged in an Exploitation Workshop with external advisors and the Horizon Booster Service, focusing on strategies to sustain the project’s impact beyond its conclusion. The consortium’s work on systems mapping was another focal point, offering frameworks to connect GeneBEcon’s research with policy pathways and practical applications in sustainable agriculture and plant breeding.

Turning Innovation into Action: Explore Key Takeaways from GeneBEcon’s Exploitation

The recent GeneBEcon Exploitation Workshop brought together external stakeholders and Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) members to review and advance the project’s exploitation strategies. During this collaborative session, participants explored the Key Exploitable Results (KERs) presented by project partners and assessed their broader potential within the agricultural value chain. By focusing on strengths and challenges, the workshop aimed to solidify robust, targeted exploitation plans that will drive the practical impact of new genomic techniques (NGTs) across sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy sectors.

Insights from this workshop will be instrumental in aligning GeneBEcon’s goals with real-world applications, ensuring that the project’s outcomes meet the demands of various stakeholders.