European Parliament endorses new regulatory framework for gene-edited crops
Today, the European Parliament’s Environmental Committee voted in favour of a proposal to introduce a new regulatory framework for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). This move signifies a significant advancement in fostering plant breeding innovation for a sustainable EU agriculture and food system.
The Committee solidified its stance on a European Commission proposal, securing 47 votes in favor, 31 against, and four abstentions. In a noteworthy development, lawmakers agreed to create distinct categories and corresponding rules for genetically modified plants produced through NGTs.
Under the approved framework, 'category 1 NGT plants,' which could occur naturally or through conventional breeding, would be subject to a verification procedure, based on criteria set in the proposal. NGT plants that meet these criteria would be treated like conventional plants and exempted from the requirements of the GMO legislation. Information on category 1 NGT plants would be accessible through seed labels, a public database, and relevant plant variety catalogs. Category 1 NGT plants include plants that contain genetic material from the same plant (targeted mutagenesis) or from crossable plants (cisgenesis, including intragenesis). Conversely, 'category 2 NGT plants' would adhere to the existing GMO legislation.
Additionally, the committee reached a consensus that all NGT plants should remain prohibited in organic production. A crucial amendment stipulates a total ban on patents for NGT plants, plant material, parts thereof, genetic information, and associated process features. This measure aims to mitigate legal uncertainties, reduce costs, and prevent new dependencies for farmers and breeders. Members of parliament also called for a report by June 2025, assessing the impact of patents on access to diverse plant reproductive material for breeders and farmers, accompanied by a legislative proposal to update EU rules on intellectual property rights.
Despite substantial support from various voices in the science and AgTech community, a notable segment remains apprehensive. The EU organics association, IFOAM Organics Europe, is actively calling for a postponement of the plenary vote on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), underscoring unresolved concerns. In alignment with this perspective, Greenpeace, through a press release, voices apprehensions about the proposed legislation potentially contravening EU safety principles related to food and seed labeling as well as traceability.
While uncertainties linger over the Parliament and Council reaching a deal before the legislative term concludes, the proposal, backed by widespread support from agri-food associations, research institutions, NGOs, and Nobel laureates, now advances towards plenary vote adoption on February 6th. This marks a potential turning point for Europe's farmers and consumers, pending further deliberation and agreement.
