DETECTIVE will develop and validate approaches to detect, identify, and quantify plant and animal products resulting from new genomic techniques (NGTs). NGT products are currently regulated as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the EU. This means that they are subject to authorisation procedures, which include event-specific methods for detection, identification, and quantification of the corresponding food and feed products. However, the analytical methods commonly used for transgenic GMOs are often not suitable for NGT products as these often do not contain genetic elements that allow unambiguous traceability. DETECTIVE will investigate the technical forefront for detection including the latest PCR-based and sequencing approaches for NGT products with known and unknown genetic alterations, and validate these in national enforcement laboratories. We will build a cluster of databases to enable Machine Learning-based screening. While technical detection may be limited, DETECTIVE will also look into non-technical approaches to traceability and authenticity to develop comprehensive solutions, including their respective economic and legal implications, to a wide range of NGT products. By taking a systemic and holistic approach, DETECTIVE will identify the boundary conditions that traceability approaches need to meet. The results will promote NGT research and innovation (R&I) that enable a resilient primary production (agriculture and animal husbandry) of highly nutritional food products and thereby contribute to a sustainable, healthy and inclusive food system in Europe that enables choice for both producers and consumers. DETECTIVE is a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral consortium and its links to relevant stakeholders through a Stakeholder Advisory Board will enable an improved understanding and awareness of the challenges related to traceability, authenticity and transparency of NGT-derived products.

New genomic techniques (NGTs) can contribute to an energy-efficient, low-input and zero-pollution agricultural production and industrial processing. Despite rapid recent progress, this toolbox is still in its infancy and substantial investments are needed to optimise the methods. Also, the innovation potential is fully exploited only if economic, social, and regulatory drivers coalesce and are accompanied by transparent communication and inclusive stakeholder engagement. A problem facing NGT innovation in Europe is that regulatory uncertainty restricts investment at all levels – research, innovation and scaling up – and the impacts of NGTs, both positive and negative, are not fully assessed. It also remains to be seen if public and stakeholder acceptance of NGT products will enable their application. The consequence is that NGTs do not yet reach their full potential. The research in GeneBEcon has two facets. First, the technical potential is explored by applying gene editing to develop 1) a virus-resistant potato with an industrial tuber starch quality, and 2) microalgae-based production of industrially relevant mycosporin-like amino acids. Second, the risk-regulatory aspects, economic incentives, and social perceptions are investigated. In the latter, comparative analyses are enabled by our approach with two different production systems: open-field agricultural crop and contained-system microalgae. The results will enable technical innovations as well as allow stakeholders (incl researchers, breeders, primary producers, value chain actors, risk assessors and decision makers) to take informed decisions on the safe and responsible use of NGT-derived products. GeneBEcon has a multi-sectoral consortium and the project links to relevant stakeholders through a Stakeholder Advisory Board. This will, through communication and inclusive engagement, enable an improved understanding and awareness of the risks and benefits of NGT-derived products through societal dialogue.