Governing gene-edited crops: risks, regulations, and responsibilities as perceived by agricultural genomics experts in Canada

Abstract

This paper explores the role and responsibilities of agricultural genomics experts in governing gene editing (GE) for food and agriculture, engaging with the frameworks of technological determinism and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). We interview agricultural genomics experts in Canada to study expert views on risks, benefits, and regulatory challenges of GE crops and the extent to which agricultural genomics experts exercise the RRI principles of anticipation, reflexivity, deliberative inclusion, and responsiveness. Agricultural genomics experts wield power in food systems both in shaping the applications of technology and as advisers influencing policy and governance. Their resistance to RRI principles, especially deliberative inclusion and responsiveness, and exercises of discursive closure are challenges for responsible governance of GE crops. The study offers empirical and theoretical contributions, working across Science and Technology Studies and food systems research.