The European regulation on New Genomic Techniques has officially entered into force. This gives plant breeders greater scope to develop new varieties. Crops can therefore be adapted more quickly to drought and plant diseases. Most of the relaxed rules will apply from July 17, 2028.
The European Council and the European Parliament have adopted the NGT regulation. The decision followed three years of negotiations. The regulation officially entered into force on July 16, 2026.
New Genomic Techniques enable the targeted breeding of plants. This allows varieties to be adapted more quickly to changing conditions. Dutch researchers and breeders can therefore develop more resilient crops. These crops can then become available for food production sooner.
The procedures will be prepared further over the next two years. The practical implementation of the regulation will also take shape during this period. Most of the relaxed rules will apply from July 2028.
The Netherlands is among the global leaders in plant breeding. The government aims to maintain and further strengthen this international position. State Secretary Silvio Erkens considers the relaxed rules an important opportunity.
“We want Europe to be the place where NGTs are developed and applied.”
According to the government, more resilient crops could increase yields. They could also contribute to food security and more sustainable agriculture. In addition, they could reduce the need for water and chemical crop protection products.
The categories of NGT plants and the implications for labeling, patents, and organic production are covered in the earlier article, EU approves new rules for NGT crops
Source: Rijksoverheid
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