New plant breeding technologies, including both transgenic modifications and GMOs, offer great opportunities for food security, improving the nutritional value of food, sustainable agricultural development, and the economic development of countries and individuals, while overcoming the shortcomings of the green revolution. This work discusses the potentials, risks and actually observed effects of new plant breeding technologies on different aspects of agriculture and people in the world. Regulatory aspects are also discussed. While the science is exciting and some clear benefits are already being seen, over-regulation and misperceptions by the public can hinder the effective development and use of new plant breeding technologies. Over-regulation is particularly prevalent in Europe, but also affects developing countries in Africa and Asia, which could benefit most from new plant breeding technologies. Regulatory reforms and a more science-based public debate are needed.
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