b'EDITORS MESSAGEWHO SAYS YOU CANT RAISE THE DEAD?swept a whole new generation of breeding Transparency and patents need clar-tools into a system never designed withity. The sector will watch closely how new them in mind. For many of us, it felt likemechanisms affect access to materials and innovation had been put in the wrongbreeders freedom to operate, especially for queue. Not out of malice, but simplySMEs.because the legal machinery had no other Beware administrative creep. If addi-shelf to put it on at the time. tional layers of procedure siphon time and It was clear, though, that this was not aresources away from actual breeding, well long-term solution. These new tools wouldhave missed the point.eventually need a chapter of their own. AndThe path ahead is promising, but its with the new NGT regulation, that chapternot without a few bumps.has finally, and thankfully, been written.The new two-category system is moreCOMMUNICATION WILL MAKE than administrative tidying. It recognisesOR BREAK THIS TRANSITIONBY: MARCEL BRUINS that some NGT plants are biologicallyNGTs may be technologically precise, but indistinguishable from what nature orpublic perception operates on an entirely traditional breeding could achieve, whiledifferent wavelength. This regulation will fewothers may warrant closer oversight. Its aonly succeed if we explain, clearly and con-Ayears ago, when we put abalanced, proportionate approach, a long- sistently, what NGTs are, and just as impor-tombstone on the cover of Europeanawaited acknowledgement that innovationtantly, what they are not.Seed with the inscription R.I.P.comes in different shapes and sizes. Farmers need to understand why EU Plant Breeding Innovationborn:these tools matter. Consumers need honest 20,000 BC / died: 25 July 2018A GreatWHY IT MATTERSEUROPEinformation before rumours fill the gap. Loss for Europe some people thought weSTEPS BACK INTO THE GAME Policymakers must remain vigilant without were being dramatic. But you try watchingFor years, European breeders watched col- becoming paralysed by hypotheticals.a legislative process stall and not reach forleagues elsewhere move ahead with toolsThis is not just a regulatory shift. It a chisel. At the time, it felt like Europewe were not allowed to use. Meanwhile,is a cultural one. And the seed sector has had buried the future of plant breedingclimate change didnt politely wait fora responsibility to guide the conversation with full honours: a solemn ceremony,Brussels. Pests did not stop at the Schengenwith the same care we apply to breeding a a few speeches, and the lingering hopeborder. Farmers certainly didnt stop need- new variety.that maybe, just maybe, someone woulding resilient varieties.misplace the death certificate. NGTs allow breeders to speed upA SECOND CHANCE WORTH Well, it turns out resurrection is notwhat they already do best: improve plants.TAKINGjust for mythologies and movie franchises.More precisely. More efficiently. More sus- Back in 2018, when the tombstone graced Because here we are, in 2025, witnessingtainably. Traits that help crops withstandour cover, it symbolised frustration, and more something I honestly wasnt sure Id everdrought, heat, new pathogens, or reducedthan a little mourning, for a Europe that see again: Europe cracking open the vault,inputs are no longer optional extras: theyseemed unwilling to acknowledge scientific brushing off the cobwebs, and saying,are essential to the survival and competi- progress. Today, that same Europe is show-You know what? Lets give innovationtiveness of European agriculture. ing signs of revival. The stone hasnt fully another go. Thisregulationdoesntsolverolled away, but its cracked open, and a warm If you listen closely, you can almosteverything, but it does something incredi- beam of light is finally getting through.hear the tombstone sigh. bly important: it allows Europes seed sectorThis is not the end of the story, but it to rejoin the global innovation race withoutcould be the beginning of a far more hope-A NEW CHAPTER (FINALLY)tying its shoelaces together first. ful one. With thoughtful implementation, BEGINS transparent communication, and continued After what felt like an eternity in regulatoryBUT LETS NOT BREAK OUT THEinvestment in innovation, NGTs can help limbo, Europe is finally opening the doorCHAMPAGNE JUST YET build a sustainable, resilient, and competi-to a fresh set of breeding tools: the kind weEvery miracle comes with footnotes. tive agricultural future for Europe.didnt even dream of when our old rulebookWhile the political agreement marks aAnd who knows, maybe one day well was written. major shift, several areas still deserve closeprint a new cover. Not a tombstone this When the 2018 Court decision placedattention: time, but a birth announcement.NGT plants under the existing GMO Implementation must be consistent framework, it landed with a heavy thud inacross Member States. If every country col- Marcel Bruinsthe plant breeding and seed sector. Whileour-codes the categories differently, wereeditorial director, Seed World Europethe ruling provided legal clarity, it alsoback to regulatory spaghetti. mbruins@seedworldgroup.comFEBRUARY 2026|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 3'