What is a Release Notice?

A release notice is a declaration that producers of precision bred plants (PBPs) must make prior to releasing any PBPs into the English environment for research and development trial purposes.

• In short: release notices inform DEFRA about the identity of the releasing entity, the nature of the crop being released, genetic changes to the crop, and containment measures that prevent any threat to the environment arising from the trial.

• Release notices must be submitted a minimum of 20 days before the start of a PBP research and development trial, and PBPs concerned can only be released a minimum of 20 days from confirmation of notice receipt.

• Information regarding PBP release notices will be placed on the Precision Breeding Register for public viewing.
  
  Release notices alone are insufficient for marketing of a crop, for commercial or other purposes!
  

• PBPs that will be distributed, otherwise marketed, or commercially sold will be required to seek additional marketing authorisations from regulators, including DEFRA and in some circumstances the FSA.

• PBPs utilised in field trials where appropriate containment measures cannot be implemented will also require marketing authorisations.
  
  At Crop Genetics Regulatory Consulting we can take the weight of paperwork off your mind, by drafting your PBP release notice, and handling submission to DEFRA, alongside any necessary further communications with relevant regulators.