On 26 March 2024, the B-Trust project, in collaboration with the DARWIN Project, hosted its third online masterclass, focusing on the role of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in developing climate-resilient crops. The session explored how innovation can support sustainable agriculture while addressing the societal challenges linked to consumer acceptance and trust in gene-edited food.

The event opened with an introduction to cell factories and co-creation, followed by a presentation of the DARWIN Project’s work on detection methods for NGT products and its broader aim of fostering a sustainable and fair food system. Insights into seed innovation using techniques like CRISPR highlighted the scientific potential for creating crops that are more resistant to climate stress. A survey conducted in Germany and Spain provided valuable data on public attitudes toward food produced with NGTs, revealing a complex landscape of interest, scepticism, and demand for transparency. Finally, reflections from B-Trust’s co-creation workshops in Belgium and Denmark emphasised the importance of engaging stakeholders early and often in the development of biotechnological solutions.

The masterclass reinforced the need for continued dialogue between science and society. While NGTs offer significant opportunities for innovation in agriculture, building trust through transparency and participatory approaches remains essential.

📺 The recording and all presentation materials are now available on the B-Trust Forum. Join the conversation and explore the resources shared during the session.

B-Trust is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme 2021-2027.