🌱 MEPs support rules that distinguish between NGT breeds equivalent to conventional breeds and those authorized under GMO rules.
👥 307 votes to 263 with 41 abstentions in favor of the rules.
🚫 Full ban on patents for NGT plants, mandatory labeling, and prohibition on use in organic farming.
✅ NGT plants will have two sets of rules, NGT1 exempt from GMO requirements.
⚖️ The decision now rests with the Commission and the Council. Opposition from Poland may delay approval.
Introduction:
The European Parliament has backed the deregulation of New Genome Techniques (NGTs) in plant breeding. NGTs are essential for strengthening Europe’s food security and improving agricultural production. The new regulation differentiates between NGT breeds that are equivalent to conventional breeds and those that are authorized and released under the rules for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The regulation includes a ban on patents for NGT plants, mandatory labeling for NGT plant-derived products, and a prohibition on the use of NGT1 seeds in organic farming. Despite the European Parliament’s approval, EU member states are divided over the patentability of NGTs.
- The European Parliament approved the deregulation of New Genome Techniques (NGTs) in plant breeding.
- The regulation distinguishes between NGT breeds equivalent to conventional breeds and those authorized under GMO rules.
- The regulation includes a ban on patents for NGT plants, mandatory labeling for NGT plant-derived products, and a prohibition on the use of NGT1 seeds in organic farming.
- However, EU member states remain divided over the patentability of NGTs.
- The regulation aims to strengthen food security, improve agricultural production, and provide farmers with tools for the green transition.
Conclusion:
The European Parliament’s approval of the deregulation of New Genome Techniques in plant breeding is a significant step towards strengthening food security and improving agricultural production in Europe. The regulation addresses concerns regarding the patentability of NGTs and includes measures to ensure transparency and consumer protection. However, the division among EU member states may hinder the final implementation of the regulation. It is crucial for member states to reach a consensus to enable the adoption of the new rules before the European elections.
