b'side of allowing more use of NGTs, as evi-denced by the overwhelming support we received from the scientific community.Another key challenge concerned pat-ents. There were legitimate concerns in the Parliament about how intellectual propertyTodays gene-editing could affect farmers, and addressing theselegislation is outdated, concerns was essential. The provisional agreement reflects a balanced compromiseand we cannot allowthat takes these concerns seriously whilea lack of trust in science still enabling innovation and the use of Newor insufficient supportGenomic Techniques. for innovation to hold SWE: WITH SUCH DIVERSE OPINIONSEurope back.ACROSS MEMBER STATES, INDUS-TRY, 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 Russias inva-sion of Ukraine. This has underscored the importance of strengthening Europes food security and strengthening Europes abilityfocusing on the goals we shared, we coulddetermining whether the EU continues to provide for itself. drive the negotiations forward to reach ato be a pioneer in innovation and science, At the same time, farmers acrossposition that a majority could support. strengthens its competitiveness, and deliv-Europe are confronting the impacts of cli- ers what farmers are asking for: a safe tech-mate change, including droughts and floodsSWE: NOW THAT THE PROVISIONALnology that can help reduce pesticide use, that severely affect crop yields. They mustAGREEMENT ON THE NGT REGULA- improve crop resilience to climate change, be given the right tools to produce moreTION HAS BEEN REACHED, WHAT DOand support food security.on less land, while remaining resilient toYOU SEE AS THE NEXT KEY STEPS FOROnce adopted, the rules must be climate change and ensuring sustainableIMPLEMENTATION, AND WHAT FUTUREimplemented swiftly. Todays gene-editing farming practices. OPPORTUNITIES OR CHALLENGES LIElegislation is outdated, and we cannot allow This is a reality shared by a majorityAHEAD FOR GENE-EDITED CROPS INa lack of trust in science or insufficient sup-in the negotiations, with a common under- THE EU? port for innovation to hold Europe back. standing that NGT is a technology that canJP: Now that a provisional agreement hasBy investing in innovation, in science, in genuinely make a difference, supporting ourbeen reached, the next key step is approvalour farmers, and in the courage to innovate, farmers while strengthening Europes com- by both the Council and the Europeanwe plant the seeds of a more sustainable, petitiveness and capacity for innovation. ByParliament. This vote will be decisive inprosperous, and safer Europe. FEBRUARY 2026|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 5'