A scientist is pleased to see the issue of genetic editing taken up ahead of the election.

National's promising to end the effective ban on editing and modification if elected for the benefit of climate change, agriculture, and health science.

Genomics Aotearoa Director Peter Dearden told Kate Hawkesby that there isn't currently a ban, but regulations are too restrictive and out of date.

He says it's hopeful to see a political party see the opportunities and decide it's something worth addressing.

Dearden says genetic modification isn't the problem, it's what it aims to achieve that needs to be regulated.

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