WHY IT MATTERS
With the political agreement on a new EU regulation for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), Europe has reached a long-awaited milestone that could reshape the future of plant breeding and innovation in the seed sector. At the heart of this complex and often contentious process stood Jessica Polfjärd, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and rapporteur for the NGT dossier. As rapporteur, she carried the responsibility of steering a file that combined cutting-edge science, deeply held political views and a remarkable diversity of national interests. The task required not only technical understanding, but also resilience, diplomacy and a willingness to keep talking when compromise seemed out of reach. Under her guidance, the Parliament was able to find common ground and move the dossier towards a successful conclusion. This article explores the personal journey, motivations and determination behind that achievement. We speak with Jessica Polfjärd about how she came to politics, why she chose to take on the NGT file, and what it took to keep the process moving forward. Her story offers a rare insight into how European legislation is shaped — and how perseverance can make the difference.
Seed World Europe (SWE): Jessica, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be involved in politics? What were the experiences that guided you to where you are today?
Jessica Polfjärd (JP): I have been involved in politics for many years, an engagement that began already during my school years, driven by a desire to make a difference and allow everyone to reach their full potential. I have been a politician on a local level, on a national level and now on a European level. I have seen first-hand what a difference politics can make, on all levels, when politicians care. My goal has always been to help shape policies in both Sweden and Europe that make our societies safer, freer, and greener. My experiences in Sweden showed me the importance of European cooperation. That’s why I chose to run for the European Parliament, and why I am grateful for the opportunities to make a difference that I have today.
SWE: What drew you to take on the New Genomic Techniques dossier as rapporteur, and why do you believe it was important for the EU to modernise its approach in this area?
JP: Today, Europe faces many challenges. Climate change and environmental issues, an economy that needs reforms for increased growth and a more hostile geopolitical situation. In this context, I strongly believe that science and innovation are essential to delivering the green transition, tackling climate change, safeguarding European food security and strengthening our competitiveness. Building a Europe that is open to innovation and supportive of science has been one of my core priorities since I first became an MEP.
New Genomic Techniques have significant potential to increase the EU’s competitiveness, while offering new solutions to environmental and social challenges. Today, European farmers are under growing pressure to produce more food in a sustainable way, while facing increasing risks from droughts, floods and heatwaves.
To meet these challenges, farmers need the right tools. New Genomic Techniques are modern, science-based methods that can help develop more climate-resilient crops and reduce the need for pesticides. For too long, the EU’s regulatory framework has been stifling the use of new technology. Modernising EU legislation in this area is therefore crucial to support farmers and secure a stable and sustainable food supply.
SWE: The NGT file has been highly complex politically and technically, with a wide array of stakeholders. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in getting to a successful provisional agreement?
JP: The negotiations were indeed complex, both politically and technically, with different views. One of the main challenges was keeping the discussion grounded in scientific evidence, as parts of the debate were driven by scepticism towards new technologies and a lack of understanding of the science, which could at times be quite frustrating, as the science is clearly on the side of allowing more use of NGTs, as evidenced by the overwhelming support we received from the scientific community.
Another key challenge concerned patents. There were legitimate concerns in the Parliament about how intellectual property could affect farmers, and addressing these concerns was essential. The provisional agreement reflects a balanced compromise that takes these concerns seriously while still enabling innovation and the use of New Genomic Techniques.
SWE: With such diverse opinions across member states, industry, civil society, and political groups, how did you keep the process moving forward and build consensus?
JP: We are facing an uncertain security situation, not least in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has underscored the importance of strengthening Europe’s food security and strengthening Europe’s ability to provide for itself.
At the same time, farmers across Europe are confronting the impacts of climate change, including droughts and floods that severely affect crop yields. They must be given the right tools to produce more on less land, while remaining resilient to climate change and ensuring sustainable farming practices.
This is a reality shared by a majority in the negotiations, with a common understanding that NGT is a technology that can genuinely make a difference, supporting our farmers while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and capacity for innovation. By focusing on the goals we shared, we could drive the negotiations forward to reach a position that a majority could support.
SWE: Now that the provisional agreement on the NGT regulation has been reached, what do you see as the next key steps for implementation, and what future opportunities or challenges lie ahead for gene-edited crops in the EU?
JP: Now that a provisional agreement has been reached, the next key step is approval by both the Council and the European Parliament. This vote will be decisive in determining whether the EU continues to be a pioneer in innovation and science, strengthens its competitiveness, and delivers what farmers are asking for: a safe technology that can help reduce pesticide use, improve crop resilience to climate change, and support food security.
Once adopted, the rules must be implemented swiftly. Today’s gene-editing legislation is outdated, and we cannot allow a lack of trust in science or insufficient support for innovation to hold Europe back. By investing in innovation, in science, in our farmers, and in the courage to innovate, we plant the seeds of a more sustainable, prosperous, and safer Europe.
