A Push for Practical NGT Rules
A coalition of 34 European agri-food value chain organisations is calling on Members of the European Parliament to support the adoption of the trilogue compromise text on plants produced by certain New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), without introducing further amendments.
The signatories stress that a fit-for-purpose legal framework for NGTs is essential to strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of European agriculture and food systems. They note that innovative breeding techniques can help address mounting challenges, including climate change, pest pressure, and market uncertainty, while ensuring the EU remains aligned with regulatory developments among key trading partners worldwide, according to a press release.
The organisations welcome the compromise agreement reached between the Council of the European Union and European Parliament negotiators, describing it as a balanced and workable solution. They highlight that the text provides transparency for farmers through seed labelling requirements for conventional-like Category 1 NGT plants, while preserving practical feasibility for operators across the value chain. The agreement also includes provisions aimed at balancing intellectual property protection with broad access to innovation under fair and reasonable conditions.
The coalition urges MEPs to support the compromise text in the upcoming votes in the Environment Committee and plenary session. It warns that reopening the agreement through amendments could delay implementation and limit Europe’s ability to benefit from plant breeding innovation.
