EU approves new rules for NGT crops

The European Parliament has approved new rules for crops developed using New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). As a result, the assessment of genetically modified plants within the European Union will change. The new legislation affects plant breeders, growers, and companies across the food supply chain.

Two categories

The rules distinguish between two categories of NGT crops. Plants whose genetic traits could also have arisen through conventional breeding fall under NGT-1. Once it has been established that they meet the required criteria, they will be treated as conventional plants.

Crops developed to withstand herbicides or produce insecticidal substances themselves do not fall into this category. Plants with more extensive genetic modifications are classified as NGT-2. These crops will remain subject to existing European GMO regulations. They must undergo a risk assessment and obtain authorization before they can be placed on the market.

The rules apply to both European and imported crops. Parliament cites low-gluten wheat, potatoes with improved resistance to pathogens, and drought-tolerant maize as examples.

Labeling and patents

NGT-2 plants will remain fully traceable and must be labeled. Member States may restrict or prohibit the cultivation of these crops, even if they have been approved at EU level.

Varieties containing or derived from an NGT-1 crop will be included in a public European database. Seeds and other propagating material must also be identified as NGT-1. In addition, the sustainability impacts of NGT plants must be monitored.

It will become possible to apply for patents on NGTs. Traits or DNA sequences that occur naturally or result from biological processes are excluded. According to Parliament, the safeguards included in the legislation are intended to prevent market concentration and ensure farmers continue to have access to seeds.

Criticism of the decision

The new rules have drawn criticism from the organic sector. Member of the European Parliament Anja Hazekamp (Party for the Animals) argues that genetically modified food will no longer have to be identified on food labels. According to her, this limits consumers’ freedom of choice.

BioNext also describes the move as a step backward for transparency, traceability, and consumer protection. The organization points to possible consequences such as higher seed prices, fewer varietal choices, and a loss of genetic diversity due to patents on crop traits. The sector also fears unwanted cross-pollination with genetically modified crops. NGTs will remain prohibited in organic production.

Europarl.europa.eu