The European Parliament adopted its position in negotiations with member states on the Commission’s proposal on new genomic techniques (NTGs) that modify the genetic material of an organism, with 307 votes in favor, 263 against and 41 abstentions.

According to a statement from the European Parliament, the aim of the proposal is to increase the resilience and resilience of the food system by developing improved plant varieties that resist climate and pests and provide richer yields or require less fertilizer and pesticides.

Currently, all NTG-derived plants must comply with the same regulations as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). MEPs agree with the proposal to have two different categories and two sets of rules for NTG plants. NTG plants that are considered equivalent to conventional plants (NTG 1 plants) will benefit from an exemption from the requirements of GMO legislation, while other NTG plants (from the NTG 2 category) will still have to comply with stricter regulations.

MEPs also agreed that all NTG plants should be banned from organic production, as it is still unclear whether they are compatible.

Plants of category NTG 1

For NTG 1 plants, MEPs want to change the size and number of changes required for an NTG plant to be considered equivalent to conventional plants. To ensure transparency, MEPs agree that packets of NTG seeds should be labeled as such and a list of all NTG 1 plants should be published online.

Although NTG 1 plant labeling is not mandatory, MEPs are asking the European Commission to report on how consumers and producers perceive the new technology seven years after the document came into force.

Plants of category NTG 2

In the case of NTG 2 plants, MEPs agreed to maintain most of the requirements of GMO legislation, which is one of the strictest in the world. The authorization procedure and mandatory labeling of products are included.

To facilitate their adoption, MEPs agreed to speed up the risk assessment process for NTG 2 plants, which are expected to contribute to a more sustainable agri-food system. However, they emphasize that the so-called precautionary principle must be respected.

Ban on all patents filed for NTG plants

The EP wants to completely ban patents on all plants, plant material, parts thereof and the genetic information of NTG plants, as well as the characteristics of the processes they contain. The purpose of this measure is to avoid legal uncertainty, increase costs and create new dependencies for farmers and ranchers. MEPs also call for a report to be prepared by June 2025 on the impact of patents on breeders’ and farmers’ access to various plant breeding materials. They also require the development of a legislative proposal to update the EU rules on intellectual property rights accordingly.

“NTGs are essential for improving Europe’s food security and ensuring greener agricultural production. The new rules will allow the development of improved plant varieties that provide higher yields, are climate-resistant or require less fertilizer and pesticides. I hope that member states will take their position soon so that we can adopt the new rules before the European elections and give farmers the tools they need for the green transition,” said rapporteur Jessica Polfjård (EPP, Sweden).

Parliament can start negotiations with the member states of the European Union to determine the final form of the law.

The European Food Safety Agency has assessed the potential safety issues of NTG. Several NTG products are available or in the process of entering the market outside the EU (eg non-black bananas from the Philippines, with the potential to reduce food waste and CO2 emissions).