Euroseeds welcomes committee approval of the trilogue compromise as the EU moves closer to a new framework for innovative plant breeding.
Yesterday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety (COMENVI) voted in favour of the trilogue compromise on plants obtained through certain New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), marking an important step towards the adoption of a new EU framework for innovative plant breeding.
A Major Step for European Agriculture
“This is a major step forward for European agriculture and a clear recognition that plant breeding innovation must be part of Europe’s toolbox to find solution s to the challenges facing our agri-food system,” said Garlich von Essen, Secretary General & CEO of Euroseeds.
“For long, Europe has been debating whether to give its farmers and breeders access to innovative plant breeding methods that are already helping to drive agricultural innovation in other parts of the world. Today’s vote brings us close to a European framework that can contribute to tangible benefits for farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.”
Two weeks ago, a coalition of more than 30 agri-food partners reiterated that the successful conclusion of the legislative process is now within reach and urged Members of the European Parliament to support the compromise text without reopening the agreement through additional amendments.
A Carefully Balanced Agreement
The compromise reached between the European Parliament and the Council reflects a carefully negotiated balance between innovation, transparency, intellectual property considerations, and practical implementation across the value chain. Reopening the text at this late stage could jeopardise the entire agreement, causing further delay and prolonging uncertainty for farmers, breeders, and businesses across Europe, according to a press release.
Euroseeds welcomes this positive outcome, which brings Europe closer to giving farmers and breeders access to science-based innovation that can help address climate change, strengthen food security, improve sustainability, and boost the competitiveness of European agriculture.
With the plenary vote expected in two days, Euroseeds calls on all Members of the European Parliament to support the compromise text and ensure its swift adoption.
Read the Euroseeds statement here.
