b'OLIVR VRHELYI, EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTHAND FOOD SAFETYBALANCING SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS WITH REGULATORY CAUTION IN THE EU SEED SECTOR. O livr Vrhelyi has assumed the role of European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, placing him at the forefront of regulatory decisions impacting agriculture and the EU seed sector. With a background in law and European affairs, Vrhelyi will oversee policies on food safety, plant health, and biotechnologycritical areas for the seed industry.BACKGROUND AND POLITICAL TRAJECTORYPrior to this appointment, Vrhelyi served as European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, where he played a central role in EU accession negotiations and trade relations. His diplomatic experience is expected to influence his approach to agricultural and food policy, emphasizing regulatory efficiency and innovation.FOCUS ON CROP PROTECTION AND BIOTECH INNOVATIONFor the seed sector, Vrhelyi\'s portfolio includes overseeing regu-lations on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), gene editing, and crop protection products. The anticipated reform of the EUs biotechnology framework, particularly legislation on new genomic techniques (NGTs), is a priority. The seed industry advocates for clearer, science-based regulations to support innovation in plant breeding, especially as gene-editing technologies like CRISPR advance.In his hearing before the European Parliament on November 6, 2024, Vrhelyi addressed the classification of NGTs, stating that, in his opinion, category 1 NGTs scientifically cannot be argued to be GMOs. He considers them part and parcel of normal crossbreeding.Olivr Vrhelyi has assumed the role of European Commissioner for On the other hand, category 2 NGTs are closer to GMOs as theseHealth and Food Safety. (Copyright:European Union 2025 - Source: EP - involve genes being changed from other plant varieties to the plant.Photographer: Alain ROLLAND)He emphasized the need for a nuanced regulatory approach based on scientific assessment. REGULATORY CHALLENGES AND INDUSTRY Regarding crop protection, Vrhelyi has expressed a com- EXPECTATIONSmitment to mitigating pesticide risks and promoting non-chem- The EU seed sector seeks greater regulatory clarity and consistency ical alternatives. He stated that pesticides containing carcinogens,in approvals for GMOs and gene-edited crops, as well as stream-mutagens, or endocrine disruptors should not be permitted in thelined risk assessments for plant protection products. Vrhelyi\'s EU, including in imported food products. ability to balance environmental sustainability goals with the "If science says it is not safe, then we shouldn\'t have it,"needs of agricultural producers will be critical. His emphasis on Vrhelyi remarked, underscoring a science-based approach to policyscience-based policies aims to ensure that European farmers remain decisions. competitive globally while maintaining high safety standards.In a recent address to the European Council on December 15, 2024, Vrhelyi highlighted the importance of biotechnology inWHATS NEXT?achieving sustainable agriculture: "Embracing advanced biotechnol- As the EU reassesses its agricultural policies, Vrhelyi\'s tenure will ogies is essential for the EU to meet its sustainability goals whilebe pivotal for the EU seed industry. His stance on innovation, sus-ensuring food security for all Europeans." tainability, and regulatory reform will shape the future of plant Furthermore, during a conference on agricultural innovationbreeding and crop protection in Europe. The EU seed sector will held on January 20, 2025, he noted, "We must support our farmersclosely monitor how he balances scientific progress with regulatory by providing access to safe and effective gene-editing tools that cancaution, determining whether the EU can remain a leader in agri-enhance crop resilience and productivity." cultural innovation. MAY 2025|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 15'