Key Takeaways
- EU Commission welcomes a provisional agreement on new rules governing plants developed with new genomic techniques (NGTs).
- The framework establishes two regulatory pathways, distinguishing NGT plants comparable to conventional varieties from those requiring full GMO oversight.
- The rules aim to support climate-resilient, pest-resistant, and resource-efficient plant varieties while reducing administrative burdens.
- The EU Commission will monitor transparency around patents and assess their impact on breeders and farmers.
- Formal adoption is expected in 2026, with implementation beginning two years later alongside a comprehensive monitoring programme.
EU Commission Announces Agreement on New Genomic Technique Rules
The EU Commission has welcomed the provisional political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on a regulatory framework for plants developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs). The measures are designed to promote innovation in plant breeding while upholding safety standards and addressing environmental and climate challenges.
According to the EU Commission, the agreed rules will allow farmers to access plant varieties that are more resilient to climate change, require fewer inputs, and can support more sustainable production systems. The framework also seeks to reduce administrative burdens for breeders and support the competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector.
EU Commission Outlines Two-Pathway System for NGT Plant Regulation
Once adopted, the legislation will introduce two categories of NGT plants:
- Category 1 NGT plants: Varieties that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding methods. These will undergo a verification procedure and, if they meet established criteria, will be treated as conventional plants and exempt from GMO legislation.
- Category 2 NGT plants: All other NGT varieties, which will remain subject to existing GMO rules, including risk assessment, authorisation, traceability, and labelling. A voluntary label may be used to specify the intended purpose of the modification.
The EU Commission will also oversee transparency in patent licensing practices and evaluate their impact on breeders’ and farmers’ access to genetic material. Follow-up measures may be proposed if patent barriers are found to hinder adoption.
EU Commission Highlights Role of Innovation in Agriculture
New genomic techniques enable faster and more precise modifications to plant varieties compared to traditional breeding. These tools can accelerate development of crops with improved resilience, higher yields, and greater resistance to pests and diseases.
Commenting on the agreement, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi stated that the rules “enable use of key tools for Europe’s plant breeding, farming and food sectors to compete globally” while maintaining high safety standards.
EU Commission Sets Timeline and Monitoring Framework
The regulation will undergo formal adoption by the European Parliament and Council before publication in the Official Journal, expected in 2026. Application will begin two years later.
To support implementation, the EU Commission will establish a monitoring programme to assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts of NGT products, including sustainability and safety considerations.
