As gardeners, we pride ourselves on knowing what we’re growing. But new UK legislation could change that forever, removing our right to know whether our plants are genetically modified.
In this week’s podcast episode, I spoke with Pat Thomas, director of Beyond GM, about the alarming reality of “precision bred organisms” – a term for GMOs created through gene editing. These new regulations, operational from November 2025, strip away essential safeguards that have protected UK gardeners for decades.
What Are Precision Bred Organisms?
Despite the scientific-sounding name, precision bred organisms are simply GMOs created using gene editing technology. The government’s rebranding doesn’t change the fundamental fact: these are genetically modified plants that could soon appear in your garden centre without any labelling requirements.
Why UK Gardeners Should Be Concerned
The implications extend far beyond commercial farming. These regulations cover all plants – from vegetables and grains to ornamental flowers, trees and shrubs. If you’re growing food, saving seeds, or maintaining an allotment, you could unknowingly be cultivating GMOs.
Particularly concerning for organic growers, cross-pollination from precision bred organisms could contaminate certified organic crops. Wind-pollinated plants and insect activity don’t respect property boundaries, creating unavoidable contamination risks.
Patent Problems for Home Gardeners
Many GMOs are patented, potentially requiring gardeners to pay licensing fees even for seeds collected from their own plants. While some companies initially waive these rights, the precedent is worrying for garden independence.
Taking Action
Pat Thomas’s organization is challenging these regulations through judicial review via their Stop Hidden GMOs campaign. As gardeners, we can support transparency by questioning seed suppliers, contacting MPs, and staying informed about this critical issue affecting our growing future.
Listen to the full interview for Pat’s expert insights on protecting garden choice and transparency.
