b"10 Most Influential EU Politicians Ensuring the EU has a Thriving New Challenges for the New TermsAgri-Food Sector During the last mandate, we spoke a lot Over the past five years in the Europeanabout the productivity and food security. Commissions Directorate-GeneralThese two related topics are crucial for for Health and Food Safety we havethe European agriculture also in connec-been working to modernise the EUtion with the new climatic challenges frameworks for the marketing of plantfollowing the motto: produce more with reproductive material (PRM) and plantsless. During the last mandate we started obtained through certain new genomicthe discussion on two important dossiers CLAIRE BURY,techniques (NGTs). Geopolitical, climate,HERBERTin order to provide more resistant and Deputy-Directorand environmental challenges require aDORFMANN, sustainable seeds and plants to our farm-General atprioritization of innovation, resilience, andMEP Group of theers. Both for the dossier on NGTs and the Europeansustainability in our agri-food chain andEuropean People'sfor the dossier on the plant reproductive Commission,plant breeding plays an essential role inParty (Christianmaterial, the Parliament voted a final Directorate- this. The update of the PRM legislationDemocrats),position. Regarding the first one, I hope General for Healthand the NGT proposal, with the supportMember of thethat we can close this dossier during this and Food Safetyof one of the world's largest systems ofCommittee onpresidency in order to provide a new (DG SANTE) plant variety protection, aims to provideAgriculture andregulation that can boost the innovation an EU framework fit for the 21st century.Rural Development and the development of new verities. In Our work will equip our breeders, farmersaddition, on the PRM dossier, as rappor-and food businesses with the tools theyteur, I worked a lot in order to have a need to ensure the EU has a thriving agri- position proposal before the end of the food sector.term and I will be very happy to close also this file. Ensuring qualitative and more performing seeds to our farmers is the key to improve the quantity, quality Securing the Resilience andand sustainability of the agricultural pro-Productivity of our Agriculturalduction in Europe.SystemsI am committed to drive the agricultural sector towards a greener, more sustain-able and modern futureensuring itEnabling Plant Breeding Technology remains resilient, innovative, and attrac- Developers tive for future generations of farmers.Plant breeding and seed production are Agriculture has to constantly evolve andessential for the competitiveness of EU JACOB JENSEN,adapt to new conditions. Therefore, it isagriculture and food security. However, Minister of Food,essential to have skilled seed produc- the current plant breeding legislation in Agriculture anders who can anticipate the needs ofthe EU has led to a shift in plant breed-Fisheries oftomorrow. Their expertise is important foring technology development outside Denmark andensuring food security and sustainability. the EU. I welcome the new genomic member of the EUAt the EU level, we are working toELSI KATAINEN, techniques legislation, and I wish for the Council establish regulations that ensure greaterMEP Renewquick finalization of the negotiations. New harmonization and fair market conditionsEurope Group,regulation will enable plant breeding for seed producers. I believe that clearMember of thetechnology developers to operate more and simple rules will help the agriculturalCommittee oneffectively within the EU.sector adopt sustainable solutions withoutAgriculture andIt is crucial to ensure that the EU unnecessary bureaucracy.Rural Developmentcan develop crop varieties that are Innovation is key to developing newand Member ofmore resistant, for instance, to drought pathways for the green transition in thethe Committeeand new diseases, as climate change is sector. Therefore, the Danish governmenton Regionalaltering growing conditions. Additionally, actively supports the adoption of theDevelopment new varieties can help reduce the need European Commissions proposal for newfor fertilizers and pesticides, as they can regulations on the use of New Genomicutilize nutrients more efficiently and have Techniques in plant breeding. This pre- greater disease resistance.sents an opportunity to develop moreBreeding techniques must take adaptable and resource-efficient cropslocal conditions into account, as growing while maintaining high safety standardsseasons vary significantly across different for people, animals, and nature. regions of Europe. Plant species adapted I believe that a strong and innova- to the local conditions will enhance tive seed sector is essential for securingEurope's ability to produce resilient crop the future of European agriculture whilevarieties and hereby strengthen the maintaining a competitive and sustaina- strategic autonomy and food security in ble agricultural sector. the EU.16ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | MAY 2025"