European Parliament adopts new rules on genomic techniques to support more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture
The European Parliament has adopted a new regulation setting out rules for the use of new genomic techniques (NGTs) in agriculture. These techniques alter an organism’s genetic material and are intended to help make crops more resilient to changing climate conditions and pests, while reducing the need for plant protection products.
Plants developed using NGTs will be divided into two categories, each subject to specific legal requirements.
Category 1 NGT plants are those whose genetic changes could also occur naturally or be achieved through conventional breeding methods. These plants will be treated in a similar way to conventional crops. Category 1 NGT plant reproductive material will be listed in a public EU database and clearly labelled.
Plants developed using NGTs may be patented, except for traits or genetic sequences that occur naturally or are obtained through essentially biological processes. Members of the European Parliament also included safeguards aimed at preventing market concentration, ensuring affordable prices and fair access for farmers, and preserving their right to save and reuse seed.
To maintain existing standards, the use of NGTs in organic production will not be permitted. The approved rules will apply both to plants developed in the European Union and to imported plants.
The provisions of the regulation will apply two years after its entry into force.
More information is available here.