New interpretation on the definition of GMOs published

The interpretation clarifies that the definition of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) also covers organisms whose genetic material has been altered using modern gene‑editing technologies. 

FSC has published a new Forest Management interpretation on the definition of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), providing greater clarity on how it applies to modern gene-editing technologies. The interpretation supports consistent application of FSC certification requirements, particularly in jurisdictions where organisms developed using certain gene-editing technologies may not be classified as GMOs under national law.

Background

The published interpretation clarifies that the current FSC definition of GMO includes organisms whose genetic material has been altered using modern genetic engineering technologies, such as CRISPR-based gene editing (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9, a technology used to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms). 

The interpretation further clarifies that the phrase “altered in a way that does not occur naturally” in the FSC definition of GMO refers both to the resulting change in the genome and to the process used to induce such change. Therefore, genetic engineering technologies, including CRISPR-based gene editing, fall within the scope of the current FSC definition of GMO, as referenced in FSC’s core standard, FSC-STD-01-001 V5-3 FSC Principles and Criteria for Forest Stewardship, and in the FSC Interpretation on GMOs (FSC-POL-30-602).

The final interpretation is available in the FSC Document Centre as part of the Forest Management Interpretations document (page 32). 

The public consultation report, which provides an overview of participation and summarizes the comments received during the consultation process, is available upon request by emailing policyinnovation@fsc.org.

The interpretation on the GMO definition reaffirms FSC’s approach to organisms developed using modern genetic engineering technologies and the prohibition of their use in FSC-certified operations. As a result, it supports the intent of FSC’s normative framework to prevent the use of GMOs in ways that could compromise natural forest dynamics or ecosystem resilience.

For comments or questions, please contact the Policy Innovation team at policyinnovation@fsc.org.