Conclusion: Biotechnology based gene switching in plants describes a wide range of mechanisms to control plant gene expression for purposes beneficial to human beings and our environment. These technologies hold promise to more efficiently and effectively use traits in plants. In the case of the applications that result in plants that do not reproduce, the technology also offers an additional layer of biosafety protection as well as serving to protect research and development investments. All genetically modified organisms created through biotechnology-based gene switching can and should be reviewed and assessed on a case by case basis, under scientifically sound regulatory frameworks, in line with existing CBD guidance.